Henderson’s Return Highlights England’s Euro 2024 Dressing Room Failings
Jordan Henderson’s recall to the England squad is shaping up to be one of Thomas Tuchel’s shrewdest early calls — and Jude Bellingham has effectively explained why in unusually candid fashion, according to The Guardian.
Speaking in an FA-produced interview alongside Morgan Rogers last week, the 22-year-old Real Madrid midfielder acknowledged that England’s Euro 2024 campaign was undermined by problems off the pitch. “I think at the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch,” Bellingham said, adding that the squad failed to connect as well as it should have. Coming from one of England’s most important players, and in content controlled by the Football Association itself, the admission was notable.
The Guardian’s analysis points to Gareth Southgate’s squad decisions as a key factor. By dropping experienced figures including Henderson, Harry Maguire, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford, Southgate appeared to lose sight of the culture he had spent years building. England never adequately replaced Henderson’s leadership during the tournament, toiling through matches before their run ended with a final defeat to Spain.
Tuchel, who replaced Southgate after Euro 2024, reportedly spent considerable time examining why England lacked identity on the pitch. His conclusion was that restoring the right atmosphere off it would be far simpler with Henderson involved. The Brentford midfielder, who turns 36 this week as England face Croatia in their opening group game, is not in contention to start. Critics have questioned whether his international career should have ended when he departed Liverpool for Saudi Arabia in 2023, with some suggesting Adam Wharton would be a more forward-looking pick.
However, teammates appear united in their appreciation of what Henderson contributes behind the scenes. Bellingham and Rogers both described him as the best person they have met in football, emphasising his work away from the cameras. Henderson himself addressed the media in Kansas City on Monday, defending Bellingham’s character and praising newly appointed vice-captain Declan Rice. “It’s creating a culture to keep driving each other forward,” he said.
For UK bettors eyeing England’s prospects, the squad unity question has always been as important as tactical shape. Whether Tuchel’s emphasis on a cohesive dressing room translates into performances on the pitch is what matters now. Keep up with all the action via our World Cup 2026 hub and check the live standings as the group stage gets under way.