Roy Hodgson chose Everton defender Jagielka over Liverpool midfielder Henderson to replace the injured Gareth Barry.
Poor Roy Hodgson, his England options are hardly an embarrassment of riches.
Many will say he only has himself to blame, after overlooking Michael Carrick, and finding himself with Jordan Henderson as his only fall back option in midfield.
He rightly opted not to pick Henderson, and to call up a defender instead in Phil Jagielka.
We say rightly, because Jagielka’s international experience will be far more useful if called upon than Henderson’s lack of, even though they play different positions.
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Jagielka has 11 England caps, and has never let his country down when he has played.
He performed well in the friendly against Norway on Saturday night, and clearly convinced Hodgson he could play an important role in the tournament.
His other big plus point is his partnership with Joleon Lescott, forged when the Manchester City man was at Everton.
A partnership is key, and could be the reason Gary Cahill gets the nod alongside John Terry, but even so, Jagielka presents a solid back-up option, especially considering Cahill’s recent injury.
With Rio Ferdinand dropped, England’s centre-backs were looking a little light, even with Phil Jones in there too, and it is wise for Hodgson to call up extra cover in the position, especially a player who will guarantee a solid performance.
Henderson on the other hand, has just two caps to his name, and is an international novice, never playing a competitive game for his country’s first team.
Even if he had been picked, Hodgson would likely not have picked him, able to shuffle to formation and include Phil Jones in midfield.
There is little point Henderson going along just for the ride, best to let him rest and prepare for another season with Liverpool.
At 29, this could be Jagielka’s first and last chance at a tournament, and he will be determined to show his worth if he gets on the pitch.
He proved himself by helping keep a clean sheet against Spain at Wembley last Autumn, in a shock 1-0 win for England, and deserves his opportunity.
We just hope, as Telegraph columnist Henry Winter suggested, that he is not being considered as an emergency midfielder.
Is Jagielka over Henderson the right call?
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