New England manager Thomas Tuchel stunned fans and pundits alike today by recalling Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson to the Three Lions squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. The 34-year-old, who last played for England in November 2023, was named in Tuchel’s first squad announcement, igniting a firestorm of reactions across social media and football circles.
Henderson’s inclusion comes after a year away from international duty, following his high-profile move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq and subsequent transfer to Ajax in January 2024. Despite starting just 14 of Ajax’s 25 Eredivisie matches this season, Tuchel praised Henderson’s leadership and experience, calling him a “serial winner” who “makes sure everyone lives by the standards.” The decision, however, has left many scratching their heads, with fans on X decrying the choice as “utterly bemusing” and a “kick in the teeth” to younger talents like Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, both overlooked despite strong club form.
The backlash was swift. One X user fumed, “Jordan Henderson in a 2025 England squad over Gibbs-White is criminal,” while another questioned Tuchel’s vision, asking, “How is a past-it 34-year-old the future for 2026?” Supporters of the move were scarce but vocal, with some arguing Henderson’s captaincy at Ajax and locker-room presence justify the call-up. Tuchel, addressing the uproar in a press conference, doubled down: “He’s played a lot of matches, brings energy, and I’ve seen his character up close.”
The recall coincides with other surprises in Tuchel’s squad, including Marcus Rashford’s return and first call-ups for Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly. Yet, it’s Henderson’s name that dominates the conversation, rekindling debates about his legacy after a polarizing Saudi stint and his relevance in a squad eyeing the 2026 World Cup. As England prepares to face Albania next Friday at Wembley, Henderson’s return has turned a routine squad announcement into a referendum on Tuchel’s direction—and fans aren’t holding back.
