Report: Liverpool star set to join England Euro squad

Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson will join the England squad, according to the Mirror.

The 30-year-old midfielder has been a key part of Gareth Southgate's squad for years. Despite not being captain of the side, he is one of the key leaders within the squad.

Without a huge number of options in midfield, Southgate will surely be relieved to see him return to fitness.

For the opening game against Croatia in particular, his experience will be vital. Strange as this may be, Jordan Henderson could end up being the only central midfield option the national team take to the Euros with tournament experience. For all of the talent of the likes of Declan Rice and Mason Mount, that sort of nous is crucial.

Croatia have, of course, stung the English before, in Russia, 2018. In that game, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic dominated the tempo of the game, with Henderson often left isolated in midfield.

Despite Kieran Trippier's free-kick, England never felt completely in control of the tie. With Henderson playing alongside more natural midfielders than Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli this time around, however, that could change.

With Declan Rice and Mason Mount alongside him, they'll surely be able to exert greater control of the midfield.

They're going to need Henderson's experience in this game too, with Croatia still boasting a formidable midfield.

With Luka Modric, Marco Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic, Croatia have some of the world's finest midfield talent. However, even beyond this match, Henderson will be vital to the England squad's mentality.

If Southgate's side does go further into the tournament, pressure will start to mount. "It's coming home" memes will be shared, bets will be made, that belief will start to rise again.

We've seen the national side crumble under the pressure far too often in these circumstances.

Henderson, along with Harry Kane, has to make sure that doesn't happen. If he can, the Three Lions will be one step closer to achieving a first tournament win in 55 years.