Thomas Tuchel defends decision to call up 'ambitious' Jordan Henderson to England camp | OneFootball

The England coach described Henderson as a ‘very, very important addition’ to the squad

Thomas Tuchel has defended his decision to call up Jordan Henderson, insisting the experienced midfielder continues to set the standard in the England camp.

The 34-year-old, now capped 84 times, was the second-oldest player on the teamsheet for this international break after Kyle Walker (35) and completed 64 minutes in an uninspiring 1-0 win over Andorra last week. He was left on the bench for Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to Senegal.

“I am, until now, not aware of [criticism for calling Henderson up],” he admitted to TalkSport. “We were convinced about this move to bring him back and, since I met him in person and since I saw him, observed him in camp, I am more convinced than ever that he is a very, very important addition to this group.

“Especially when we talk about connections, especially when we talk about setting standards and keeping the group up to the standards, then he is, at the moment, the man I don’t want to miss.

“He pushes the group, he takes care of training, he takes care of the attitude. He brings, actually, players together.

“So, we see different, best versions of players when Jordan is in camp than if he is not in camp. That’s all I can say.”

Henderson, a Champions League winner with Liverpool, now plies his trade at Ajax following a brief spell in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ettifaq. He made 28 appearances as Ajax finished second in the Eredivisie last season, leaving Tuchel with few doubts as to his quality as a player.

“He is still lean, he is still fit, he is still ready to push on a level that matches the international level. I am convinced he is still ambitious.”