One of Liverpool’s most famous legends has disagreed with the decision that’s seen one of Liverpool’s key players called up for international duty.
John Aldridge, who was pivotal to Liverpool’s success in the late 80s, has disagreed with the decision from England to call up captain Jordan Henderson.
The 32-year-old has been battling injuries and fitness issues at the start of this season and his call-up has been a shock to fans who wanted to rest up away from the England camp.
He’s missed Liverpool’s last three games and hasn’t featured since the 2-1 win over Newcastle at the end of August. It’s likely he will be ready to return to the starting lineup after the international break.
BREAKING NEWS: Jordan Henderson has joined the England squad to replace Kalvin Phillips. pic.twitter.com/o7Q8pCeexT
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 20, 2022
Aldrige on Henderson
Speaking in his column on the Liverpool ECHO, he discussed the call-up and how from his own selfish view as a Liverpool fan that he didn’t want to see Henderson in the England squad because of his current fitness issues.
“Being called up to the England squad is something that Jordan Henderson could probably do without, if I’m being honest. He’s picking up injuries and he’s got to be managed.”
“Henderson is not old as a player, but he’s played so many games and over the last few years he’s picked up a few injuries, and a couple with England as well. So from a selfish and Liverpool point of view, I wouldn’t want him to be going with the England squad.”
“Presumably the two managers, Jurgen Klopp and Gareth Southgate, have spoken to him and asked how he’s feeling. We know he has the experience and know-how, of course, but let’s manage him as a player on the pitch.”
✅ “I can understand why Jordan Henderson is in the squad.”
👏 “You need leaders. You need them figures in the middle of the park.”
Darren Bent understands why Jordan Henderson is in the England squad pic.twitter.com/LaSgzRYbRT
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 20, 2022
This has been since cleared up by James Pearce, the head writer for the Athletic for Liverpool, who claimed “I don’t think Jordan Henderson would be going to England if Jurgen Klopp was not on board with it.”
He went onto say – “If it was two pointless friendlies, I think common sense would say he needs the extra time at Kirkby. But this is the last England camp before the World Cup, and we know how important that is to Jordan Henderson. Jurgen Klopp would be fully appreciative of that.”
Henderson’s seniority in the England squad means that he is a key figure, even if he isn’t going to feature in the games.
Given that England boast a very young, but highly also highly talented, squad Henderson’s experience and presence will help to maintain familiarity, especially with this camp being the last one before the World Cup begins in November.
