Jordan Henderson has been speaking to The Times about his efforts at Liverpool this season, his work during lockdown, and the England team.
Specifically, the 31-year-old didn’t sound too pleased when discussing the latter topic.
What’s the story?
Well, Henderson is struggling to get into the starting XI for England right now, as Gareth Southgate has settled on a preferred midfield.
Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice have been deployed as a pair in holding midfield, a combination which worked wonders at EURO 2020.
Southgate has continued to use the duo in qualifiers, at the expense of Henderson.
Speaking about his exclusion from the Three Lions, the £140,000-a-week Liverpool man said: “I’ve been on the periphery a bit so that’s been frustrating, but hopefully now I’m back playing more regularly I can work my way into the team.”
We sympathise with Henderson, but Phillips and Rice work so well together that it would be hard to justify his inclusion in midfield.
Should Jordan Henderson focus on Liverpool?
Henderson will turn 32 in June, and in our view, he should consider international retirement if this situation continues.
The likes of Jamie Vardy, James Milner, Paul Scholes and Alan Shearer all called time on their international careers in order to prolong their time in club football.
If Southgate continues to overlook Henderson, then it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that he follows in their footsteps.
Phillips is 25, whereas Rice is just 22, so the duo could easily hold their positions for the next decade.
Things are looking quite bleak for Henderson on the international scene, but he remains integral to Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp.
In that respect, he should perhaps consider international retirement, especially if it means he extends his career at Anfield by another season or two.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
