Gary Neville has admitted that he wasn’t too happy to see Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson coming on for England vs USA last week.
The Reds captain came on for his first taste of action at this year’s World Cup during the 0-0 draw last Friday. And speaking to The Gary Neville Podcast, the pundit says he’ winced’ when he saw Henderson being introduced.
“We have navigated through the group perfectly. We all sort of winced a little bit when the subs came on against USA and Jordan came on and Jack Grealish came on, and Sterling and Bellingham went off, the two goal scorers,” Neville said.
“We thought are we taking a backwards step, but Gareth knew that losing that game would cause him a problem, drawing that game meant we went on and won the [Wales] game.”
Despite Neville’s reaction, Henderson brought calm to a midfield that was all at sea against USA. The 0-0 draw wasn’t pretty, but it could have been worse without the Liverpool captain’s introduction.
Henderson proves he’s got a part to play
Henderson clearly did something right against America, because Gareth Southgate put him in from the start on Tuesday.
It was a nice change of pace for Hendo, who has had to get used to a back-up role in the England squad.
For many fans who don’t appreciate his qualities, this is exactly where he belongs. But it’s obvious that the 32-year-old still has a place in this young Three Lions team.
Henderson doesn’t possess the speed and skill of a Foden or the youthful vibrancy of Jude Bellingham, that’s clear. What he does have is huge experience, though.
No other player in the England squad, besides Trent Alexander-Arnold, has won the Premier League and Champions League.
His constant jockeying may have the potential to rub a few up the wrong way. But that’s what he brings to the side. Harry Kane isn’t exactly the most vocal captain around, and that leaves Hendo to pick up the pieces.
Having given a good account of himself against Wales, it’ll be interesting to see if Henderson starts again on Sunday.
Now that the serious business starts with a knockout tie against Senegal, some would have him nowhere near the team. Ironically though, that might actually be just when England need him the most.
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