Why Bringing Back Jordan Henderson Is Thomas Tuchel’s Masterstroke

Published: 15 June 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The cat is well and truly out of the bag for everyone now. Nobody expected the conversation to be quite so revealing during the latest media interview. Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers sat on the Lions’ Den sofa just last week. Content controlled by the Football Association was an unlikely place for such massive honesty. Bellingham dropped a few truth bombs about the previous major international tournament campaign instead.

The talented England midfielder was not minded to hold back during the interview session. He wanted to discuss his complicated experience with the national squad at Euro 2024. It did not feel like there was any kind of hierarchy present then. He thinks that the squad got some things a little bit wrong off-pitch. The group did not connect as well as it could have done back then. There were a number of specific reasons for that lack of total unity.

That there were issues within the camp two years ago was no surprise. It was not exactly a jaw-dropping revelation for the passionate English football public. To hear one of the squad’s most important players speak openly was significant. England are currently attempting to win the highly prestigious World Cup in America now.

The team were not playing particularly well which certainly does not help matters. Even when they were winning they did not get the right positive feeling. They were not nearly as happy as they probably should have been then. You always want to win every match in international football tournaments quite comfortably. The nature of modern football is that wins go out of the system. Success fades very quickly when the performance level is not high enough throughout.

England never held on to the feeling of victory during that summer. The overall vibe was completely off and the lack of connection was palpable. England were visibly confused and the warning signs were there for all to see. The problems were obvious when they first set off for the tournament ground.

This was summed up by Gareth Southgate having to take his captain out. He walked Harry Kane around Tottenham’s training ground to explain his squad selection. He needed to clarify the thinking behind his choices for the upcoming tournament. The generous description of Southgate’s decisions would be that he was very bold. A more accurate assessment is that he completely lost sight of his identity. He forgot who he was as a manager during that crucial summer period.

He had previously put so much store into creating the right cultural environment. There was immense shock when he picked a host of inexperienced young players. These youngsters had very little experience of international football on the big stage. He simultaneously dropped Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish from the final tournament squad. He also left out Marcus Rashford and most importantly of all Jordan Henderson.

England never found a way to operate efficiently without Henderson’s vocal leadership. They toiled heavily before their luck finally ran out against a strong opponent. They suffered a painful defeat to Spain in the final of the tournament. Bellingham produced brilliant moments but petulance crept into his game at various times. The impression was of a kid who desperately needed a senior professional nearby. He required someone to put a supportive arm around his shoulder on pitch.

Henderson is extremely protective of Bellingham and he was missed terribly by everyone. No wonder Kane was so relieved when Thomas Tuchel made his first call. The German coach replaced Southgate and brought the former Liverpool midfielder back immediately.

Tuchel had spent a lot of time trying to understand the team. He wanted to know why England played with such little clear identity. The German manager listened to opinions and concluded that the atmosphere needed changing. Creating the right atmosphere off the pitch would be much easier with Henderson. The veteran midfielder knows how to keep standards high in the dressing room.

Henderson turns 36 when England face Croatia in their opening game on Wednesday. The current Brentford midfielder is not expected to be a regular starter now. He has naturally lost some of his impressive running power over the years. The unfair accusation is that Henderson is only in the US camp today. Critics claim he is there to lay out cones and act as minder.

Plenty of fans felt his international career should have been over by now. They believed his time ended when he left Liverpool for Saudi Arabia. Those strong views persist among certain sections of the media and fan base. Why not look to the future and pick a young player instead? Why not select the talented Adam Wharton for this big tournament squad instead?

The answer lies in how much Henderson is respected by his teammates. Tuchel has looked very deeply into group dynamics since taking the job. He has repeatedly talked about creating a genuine brotherhood among the players. He has noted that players come out of their shell with Henderson.

Bellingham and Rogers used their recent appearance to praise the experienced midfielder. They called Henderson the best person they have ever met in football today. Both talked about how much excellent work he does behind the scenes daily. Henderson is the ultimate glue holding everything together for the England squad now. He exuded immense natural authority when he spoke to the media on Monday. He spoke for 25 minutes at England’s training base in Kansas City.

He strongly defended Bellingham from critics during his lengthy press conference appearance. He said external perceptions of the young midfielder’s character are well off beam. He was effusive about the influence of midfield partner Declan Rice recently. Rice has officially been named England’s new vice-captain for this big tournament.

It is important to make sure the culture off the pitch is good. However Henderson stated that success is not down to just one single person. Everyone has an important role to play within the squad right now. It is about creating a culture to keep driving each other forward.

Henderson brought great intensity when England played Miami FC in a friendly match. That game was played behind closed doors last Thursday to test tactics. A day before he watched from the sidelines as England played brilliantly. Tuchel’s side crushed Costa Rica during an impressive match in sunny Tampa.

When he looks back at pre-tournament games that was the best yet. Henderson said the performance was the finest he has seen in years. It is now about taking that positive momentum directly into the game. They must replicate that form against Croatia in their upcoming opening fixture.

Tuchel says aggressive pressing is absolutely key to England’s identity under him. Bellingham was selected over Rogers at number ten and he was exceptional today. He played wonderfully without the ball during the entire match against the opposition. He was key to an excellent display and looks in a better place. He looks much happier than he did during the previous European Championships.

England know all too well that major tournaments can hinge on mood. Making sure the mood in the camp is right is essential for success. Tuchel has focused so much on individual character since he arrived here. He has picked hungry players who want to achieve something truly special. He wants healthy competition for every single position in the starting lineup.

His decision not to select Maguire looked smart after recent social media posts. The defender spoke out unprofessionally about his omission on his personal channel. Henderson no doubt resents the idea he is a glorified cheerleader now. He will feel he can still contribute significantly on the pitch itself. He can easily come off the bench to help with game management.

Even so it is impossible not to feel Henderson’s leadership is crucial. His presence behind the scenes will be vital for the younger players. Southgate severely underestimated him and his unique qualities during his final months. Having initially stood by Henderson after his move he changed his mind completely. He decided he was no longer fit enough to merit selection last time.

Southgate lost sight of Henderson’s incredible personality and what he brings daily. Listening to Bellingham it is clear to see why Tuchel acted differently. The German manager did not make the same mistake with this squad.

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