England Under Tuchel: Henderson’s Recall and the Shift Towards Stability
Tuchel’s First England Squad: Henderson Recall Signals Shift in Approach
Tuchel’s Pragmatic Start to England Reign
There is an expectation that when a new manager takes charge, especially one with a reputation for tactical innovation, they will bring a fresh and progressive approach. Yet, Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad has been defined by experience rather than revolution. His decision to recall Jordan Henderson, at 34, sends a clear message about the kind of squad he intends to build.
Henderson’s inclusion highlights two key factors: Tuchel is a pragmatist, and despite England’s emerging talent, the squad lacks seasoned leaders in crucial positions.
Experience Over Experimentation
Rather than selecting younger options such as Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, or Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Tuchel has opted for familiarity. Henderson’s international career appeared to be over after Gareth Southgate left him out of last summer’s European Championship squad, but his recall under Tuchel indicates a shift towards prioritising stability.
The same logic applies to the retention of Kyle Walker and the first call-up of 32-year-old Dan Burn. While Myles Lewis-Skelly’s inclusion adds youthful intrigue, the overall theme of Tuchel’s first squad is “tried and trusted.” The emphasis is clear: England’s new manager is focused solely on winning the 2026 World Cup, rather than shaping the squad for the long term.
Henderson’s Leadership Role
At his first press conference, Tuchel explained Henderson’s return in straightforward terms. “Jordan is, first of all, a serial winner,” he said. “He’s captain of Ajax at the moment. He’s available. (…) What he brings to every team — his leadership, his character, personality, energy — he makes sure that everyone lives by the standards and, with this characteristic, he embodies everything that we try to build.”
This echoes Southgate’s previous justification for keeping faith with senior players like Harry Maguire and Raheem Sterling during difficult club spells. Tuchel sees Henderson in the same light—a player who, despite no longer being at the peak of his powers, brings the reliability and presence that England’s midfield currently lacks.
Road to 2026
With only six international camps and 60 days of preparation before the next World Cup, Tuchel’s squad decisions are driven by immediate concerns. England begin their qualifying campaign against Albania next week, and Tuchel knows he does not have the luxury of an extended bedding-in period.
There are risks attached to relying on players in the latter stages of their careers. Henderson and Walker will be 36 by the midway point of the tournament. While age alone should not be a reason to discard a player, history suggests that players past their physical peak often struggle to maintain their previous influence.
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