Thomas Tuchel explains why Jordan Henderson was called up to England squad as fans left baffled by selection

Thomas Tuchel has explained his decision to name Jordan Henderson in his first England squad as the midfielder's surprise recall continues to spark debate amongst fans.

Henderson, who missed out on Gareth Southgate's final 26-man squad for Euro 2024, has not featured for the Three Lions since November 2023.

In fact, a future call-up appeared unlikely given his lack of minutes in recent weeks, with the former Liverpool and Al Ettifaq midfielder starting just two of Ajax’s last nine games in all competitions.

But on Friday morning, the 34-year-old was handed a shock call-up by the recently-appointed Tuchel, who has since revealed why Henderson has earned his spot in his first-ever England squad.

Speaking on the England YouTube channel, he said: "We called Hendo back up because I think his career, and the way he plays now and imposes himself at Ajax, is just so impressive."

Tuchel continued: "He builds it on character and personality, and on energy he brings to the team. For me, Jordan is a similar call-up to Dan Burn. They carry these values on their shoulders. They carry their teams. They are absolutely reliable what they bring in terms of energy."

He added: "This is also where the focus is for us, to build as quick as possible a cohesive team. Jordan is a big piece in that puzzle for us."

Here's how fans on social media have reacted to Henderson's surprise call-up.

One said: "Are my eyes actually seeing Jordan Henderson in the England squad and no Morgan Gibbs-White," while another wrote: "Picking Henderson over Conor Gallagher in 2025 should be a crime."

A third commented: "There is not a single reason in 2025 to be seeing Jordan Henderson in an England squad."

A fourth wrote: "There must be some sort of mistake, I could swear that says Jordan Henderson has been selected for England in the year 2025? That is absolutely laughable," and a fifth added: "Jordan Henderson in 2025 are my eyes deceiving me."

In other team-related news, Tuchel has handed Arsenal full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle defender Dan Burn their first international call-ups, while Marcus Rashford and Reece James have also been included.

Thomas Tuchel's first England squad in full:

Goalkeepers

• Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
• Jordan Pickford (Everton)
• Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton)
• James Trafford (Burnley)

Defenders

• Dan Burn (Newcastle United)
• Levi Colwill (Chelsea)
• Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
• Reece James (Chelsea)
• Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
• Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
• Tino Livramento (Newcastle United)
• Jarell Quansah (Liverpool)
• Kyle Walker (AC Milan, on loan from Manchester City)

Midfielders

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
• Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
• Jordan Henderson (Ajax)
• Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
• Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
• Declan Rice (Arsenal)
• Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Forwards

• Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United)
• Phil Foden (Manchester City)
• Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)
• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
• Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, on loan from Manchester United)
• Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)