Former Manchester United defender and current pundit Rio Ferdinand says Jordan Henderson must be in the England squad for Euro 2024.
Many pundits and fans alike are calling for the former Liverpool captain to be axed from the Three lions’ squad.
Question marks have been raised over the future of the 33-year-old’s national future due to the fact he left to join the Saudi Pro League which lasted only six months.
Now playing for Dutch giants Ajax, the midfielder will be hoping he can remain in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI for the upcoming European Championship in Germany.
But despite his woeful season so far, Rio Ferdinand believes Henderson is still a vital player in the England team, stating he is needed for this summers tournament.
I think Henderson should go I’ve got to be honest because I think he brings more than just as a player,’ the former England defender said on his FIVE podcast.
Of course, there’s going to be a lot of competition for that place in midfield with the likes of Conor Gallagher, who has been in great form as of late, the likes of Kalvin Phillips who is hoping to regain some lost form after a disappointing spell at Man City.
‘His presence, when you’re in a dressing room you need certain heads there who have experience, who know how to win, who know how to generate an environment that is conducive to winning.
‘He knows how to do that, he’s been a captain of a team that has won multiple trophies, there ain’t too many in that dressing room who know how to do that. As good as Harry Kane is, he don’t know how to speak about winning a trophy in that dressing room.
‘So we can say, “I don’t think he’s good enough”, but there’s more than just football when it comes to winning things or winning tournaments. There’s a mindset.
‘And in that changing room they all respect him. Don’t matter who they play for, how much money they on, what they’ve won… Jordan Henderson will walk in that changing room with England and they’ll all go, “yeah I respect this guy”. cuz he’s done it.’
The name Curtis Jones keeps popping up in the conversation along with Man United’s latest prospect Kobbie Mainoo.
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