Thomas Tuchel explains shock decision to recall 'impressive' Jordan Henderson to England squad - nile sport

Thomas Tuchel has explained his shock decision to bring Jordan Henderson back into the England squad.

The Ajax midfielder has not played for the Three Lions since November 2023 but was a surprise inclusion in Tuchel’s first squad for World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia at Wembley later this month.

Henderson is joined by the returning Marcus Rashford in the England squad, though the inclusion of the on-loan Aston Villa forward is much less of a surprise having returned to form since leaving Manchester United on loan in February.

Former Liverpool captain Henderson left English football for an ill-fated spell with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq before joining Ajax in January 2024.

The 34-year-old has made 14 Eredivisie starts this season as the Amsterdam giants look to recapture the title for the first time in three years.

“We recalled Hendo back up because I think the way he imposes himself at Ajax is just so impressive,” said the England boss.

“He builds it on character, on personality, on energy he brings to the team. So for me, Jordan is a similar call-up to Dan Burn. They carry these values on their shoulders, they carry their teams and its absolutely reliable what they bring in terms of energy and this is where the focus is.

“For us to build a strong team, a cohesive team – Jordan is a big piece in that puzzle.”

Chelsea captain Reece James worked under Tuchel during the German’s trophy-laden stint in charge of the Blues and wins his first call-up since March 2023 following lengthy injury problems.

“Reece worked very hard to be in shape,” said Tuchel.

“He does not play so regularly lately but that is due to the managing of his previous injury history. He is fully available, we double-checked and triple-checked with him personally and the club’s medical department.

“There is no doubt about Reece’s quality and capability. As you all know, we want to be flexible, we want to have a bit of a wider range and that’s why it’s a pleasure to bring Reece back in.”

Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly was also handed a first England call-up after a remarkable rise in the Gunners first-team this season.

Of the teenage left-back, Tuchel said: “We accelerate Myles’ career again, which is already on a fast-track in the last few months.

“He’s a regular starter for Arsenal at the moment, the second strongest team in the Premier League. He’s just nothing but impressive.”