As a player whose career has been defined by proving the doubters wrong, this summer is nothing new for Jordan Henderson. Still recovering from groin surgery at the time England’s final squad for this summer’s Euros was confirmed, the Liverpool captain was considered a controversial pick in some quarters. In fact, his impact has been largely limited to a behind-the-scenes leadership role, which Gareth Southgate recently alluded to in defending his inclusion in the squad.
Gareth Southgate said: “What he brings to the group on the training pitch, around the camp, his experience, the way he can speak to some of the other players in those quiet moments around the hotel, the way he trains the way he approaches his work, it’s a great advantage for us to have him with the team. All of those parts are key to producing a winning environment.”
But you do not achieve what Henderson has by ever being content to simply function as the squad’s cheerleader, and he will be determined to make a bigger impact as the tournament progresses.
