Gary Lineker suggests new Jordan Henderson role for England after ‘odd’ call-up

Jordan Henderson was one of several surprise inclusions in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, and Gary Lineker has suggested a new role for the midfielder to play

Gary Lineker reckons a new role could be on the cards for Jordan Henderson following his surprise England call-up. The Ajax midfielder, 34, hasn’t featured for the Three Lions since 2023, so his inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s inaugural squad raised eyebrows and sparked criticism.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker suggested that Henderson might suit being part of the German’s coaching staff and that his long-term England future could well be in the dugout instead. “Include him in your coaching staff maybe,” the 54-year-old said in response to Micah Richards and Alan Shearer questioning Henderson’s call-up.

He added: “It’s an odd one. I feel a little bit bad for Jordan because it’s very important to say that he’s played many really great games for England. He’s a had fabulous career. And because of circumstances – moving to Saudi, didn’t happen there… he [Tuchel] has kind of reopened that can of worms for Jordan.

“You don’t want him to end up as a player who’s disrespected. That’ll be a real shame. But there’s a perception that it’s almost semi-retirement when you move to a league like Saudi Arabia’s league… so I think that possibly [explains the criticism].

“But I think it’ll be a great shame. He’s a really good guy to have around, and that’s probably why Thomas Tuchel has put him in, because he’s obviously very popular, I’d imagine, amongst the players.”

Richards agreed, but argued that if Henderson wasn’t likely to be part of Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup plans, then calling him up was needless. “That’s all well and good,” the ex-Manchester City star replied, “but is he going to be available for the World Cup?

“If someone else is going to be in that position around that time… it’s like, are you going to get Henderson in the same shape as he is now? I just think it’s an opportunity to get a young player a bit of experience.”

Tuchel offered a little insight into his decision to pick Henderson when speaking to reporters following the squad announcement. He branded the former Liverpool skipper “a serial winner” and insisted he “embodies everything we that we want” in a player.

“He’s captain of Ajax at the moment, he’s played a lot of matches, and what he brings to every team is leadership, character, personality, energy,” the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss said. “He ensures that everyone lives by these standards, and with these characteristics he embodies everything that we’re trying to build.

“We’re trying to build a team that our fans can be proud of, and will hopefully be an exciting watch. He embodies everything that we want.”

England play Albania at Wembley on Friday in the first of 10 upcoming World Cup qualifiers, before facing Latvia in London three days later. The pressure will be on Tuchel to hit the ground the running as England boss, particularly with his contract expiring next year.

It’s this short-term approach, Shearer reckons, that’s led to the likes of Henderson and 34-year-old Kyle Walker being picked. “Tuchel is going to pick a squad for the up and coming games – and he’ll do that right the way through [to the World Cup],” Shearer told his podcast colleagues.

“He doesn’t give a damn about what happens to England after 18 months’ time. He’s only interested in trying to win the World Cup for England, that’s his job, that’s his contract.

“His mindset is he’s picking a squad for this month, for these games, and if he has to change it next month then he’ll do that. That squad that came out is not going to be the squad that goes to the World Cup, and I think he understands that as well. He’s an experienced guy.”

Henderson and Walker weren’t the only surprise inclusions in Tuchel’s squad. Marcus Rashford returned the fold following his bright start on loan at Aston Villa, while Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final hero Dan Burn was handed his very first call-up.

Reece James, who has made just one international appearance since 2022, has also been included. The 25-year-old has struggled with persistent injuries in recent years but was a key figure under Tuchel at Chelsea – an influence that has likely secured him a spot in the squad despite his limited playing time this season.

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