Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has no chance of being in England’s squad for Euro 2024.
That’s according to TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara. Assessing the potential England team for 18-months time on the radio station last night, O’Hara said Henderson’s lack of pace will cost him.
“If he’s [Southgate] going to the Euros, I want a quick side. Rashford, can Rashford come to the fore and be a No.9? Henderson’s not going to be at the Euros is he?” the pundit dismissed.
“I’ve said it the whole tournament, I think Rashford needed to play more, he’s got the pace, he’s got the quality. I would move Foden inside and play him with Bellingham and Rice. That’s what I would do. It gives you pace with Saka and Rashford and then Kane is the focal point of the side.
“If there’s one thing England need going into the next major tournament, it’s pace. There’s too much playing in-front of teams, too much passing sideways, not enough getting in behind teams and making it happen.”
While pace certainly isn’t one of the Liverpool captain’s best qualities, he has plenty of others which should keep him in contention.
Henderson not out for the count just yet
Somebody show this to Jordan Henderson. It will make the 32-year-old more determined than ever to keep his international career going.
Henderson recently bristled at claims that he wouldn’t play at another World Cup, let alone a Euros. He’ll be thirty-four by the time Euro 2024 comes around, but you can’t rule him out.
The Reds skipper was written off by plenty before this year’s edition in Qatar got underway. By the time England were eliminated by France at the weekend, he had once again become one of Gareth Southgate’s most important players.
That’s testament to the determination and dedication of Henderson, but also of his quality. It doesn’t get said often enough, but the former Sunderland man is an excellent footballer, as well as a top-class leader.
Of course, that alone won’t get him into the next major tournament squad. Time waits for no man, and perhaps another Jude Bellingham will even emerge in that period.
But right now, you’d have to say it’s Hendo’s spot to lose. Should he be selected for Euro 2024, he’ll become the player to be selected for the most major tournaments in English football history. To make it to seven consecutive squads would be a huge achievement for Henderson. You can bet he’s got his eye on it already.
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