Liverpool’s £13M midfielder has claimed fitness is a ‘big part’ of his game and makes a vow to continue playing at the top level.
Having been out since the end of August, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been working hard on his recovery ahead of the international break.
He chose to join up with the England squad to replace Kalvin Phillips, which worried some fans, but Jurgen Klopp gave his blessing, according to reports.
Given he is a senior figure in the squad and this camp is the last one before the WC, it made sense for the 32-year-old to attend to help the team prepare but also to engage in high-level training as he seeks to return to full fitness.
He’s spoken out about England and his fitness as he’ll hope to be an ever-present for Liverpool this season after appearing 35 times in the league last year.
Gareth Southgate confirms Jordan Henderson won't be involved against Italy. Everyone else available.
— Chris McKenna (@cmckennasport) September 22, 2022
Henderson on England and his current fitness levels at 32
Henderson was speaking on the WC and his own personal career during the international break, speaking to the Mirror.
“I don’t know if I’m fitter than I was when I was 20 because I was pretty fit then! But I feel like I’m in such a good spot. It’s a big part of how I play the game and it’s a reflection of how seriously I take the game off the pitch as well.” Henderson revealed.
“I’ve never done that [drink during the season] since I was a kid and always eaten the right things. It was always in me as a kid. I never wanted to go out drinking or doing anything like that. It was always football, football, football.
“If we go back to when I was starting my career, I was probably an exception. Whereas now when I look, I’d day the exception is to drink. A lot of players don’t drink in general. A lot of the Liverpool squad don’t drink.
“As a kid one of my dreams was to play for England, my biggest dream. That will never change, I want to do it as long as possible and play my part. As time has gone on I’ve got more experience – that hasn’t changed – the excitement I have pulling on an England shirt.”
Henderson played 57 games out of the 63 available last season and was an ever-present for the Reds. He continues to be key to their system on the right side of midfield and without him, that right-hand side has come under fire in the last month. It’s essential he stays fit and firing in this Liverpool side.
🔴 Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson rifles home a matchday 1 winner at Anfield last season! 💥#UCL pic.twitter.com/PBF5nrC1os
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 2, 2022
