Gareth Southgate has explained his “complex” decision to include Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson in England’s squad for Euro 2020. Henderson has been named in the 26-man party despite having not played since suffering a groin problem during the Merseyside derby in February. And discussing his squad,
Gareth Southgate said: “The most complex part this time has been those injuries, whether we should take the chance on people. With Jordan and (Manchester United defender) Harry Maguire, we have a couple of players who are not where we would want them to be ideally in terms of their physical preparation. Jordan has trained with the team all week so that’s been good. He will be involved in the game tomorrow. His progress is good but we are realistic about what that might look like. Hendo has a bit to do to be available (for the tournament). But his leadership and presence is already having an effect on the group. We think the experience they have and the fact we can get them to a point where they can have an involvement in the tournament that it’s worth taking them, especially as we have an extended squad of 26. The experienced players are the ones who know how to win and have been in tournaments before.”
In perhaps a hint to his possible place in the starting line-up, Henderson has been handed the number eight jersey. Liverpool team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold will wear the number 22.
Gareth Southgate added: “Every squad is difficult to choose as we have a lot of talented players in this country. The most difficult thing is to not take players who have been with us in previous matches and who are such good professionals. I know what a disappointment it is to miss out on a major tournament. But we still have friendlies to get through and there have been plenty of examples in the past of players becoming injured and being ruled out.”
