Jordan Henderson was determined to be part of a historic moment. Despite facing setbacks, he took matters into his own hands. This resilience has defined his career, and it was on display once again when he returned to the England squad, earning his 81st cap as a substitute in a World Cup qualifying match against Albania.
Missing out on Euro 2024 in Germany was a bitter blow for Henderson. After playing a key role in qualification, a muscle injury derailed his chances, sidelining him for two months and preventing him from regaining full fitness in time for squad selection. When England reached the final against Spain, he knew he had to be there. With no flights available, he checked the distance from Amsterdam to Berlin, rented a van, and embarked on a road trip with his family.
Encountering England fans along the way made the journey even more memorable. He recalled stopping for fuel and seeing the surprised reactions of fellow supporters. Though he would have preferred to be on the pitch, he still wanted to witness the final in person. Unfortunately, the result did not go England’s way, but he had no regrets about making the effort to be there.
Henderson’s return to the national team was unexpected. After being left out by the interim manager in the autumn, his recall came when the new head coach began hearing from players and staff about his leadership and influence. A conversation in February convinced the coach that Henderson still had a role to play.
At club level, he has been a key figure for Ajax, who are leading the Eredivisie. However, his time there has not been without controversy. In January, Ajax faced financial difficulties and considered transferring him to Monaco. While he was willing to play in a crucial Europa League match against Galatasaray, he chose not to wear the captain’s armband, leading to criticism. The situation escalated further when he openly confronted the media’s portrayal of events after Ajax’s next game against Feyenoord. Ultimately, the club decided to keep him, and tensions settled.
Playing for Ajax, a club with a rich footballing philosophy, has presented challenges for a midfielder of his style. However, the current manager prioritizes results, making Henderson a valuable asset. He has also received strong support from the club’s passionate fanbase.
Now, his focus is firmly on England and the possibility of playing in another World Cup. He never considered retiring from international football, believing he still had more to offer. He emphasized the importance of balance in a successful team, with a blend of experienced players and emerging talent. For Henderson, the dream of competing on the world stage remains very much alive.
