Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson talks about and disregards retirement claims after World Cup with England
Jordan Henderson stood named in Gareth Southgate’s 28-man squad for the UEFA Nations League friendlies. He saw himself in the squad after Kalvin Phillips had to withdraw due to injury.
Speaking in an interview (h/t Liverpool Echo), the Liverpool skipper has dismissed suggestions he will retire from international football after the World Cup.
The former Sunderland midfielder has 68 caps for the National Team, including seven in the FIFA World Cup and eight in the UEFA Euros. The 32-year-old is almost certain to be a part of Southgate’s squad for the World Cup in November subject to fitness.
When prompted about his future plans and retirement, Henderson was quick to put away any such assertions and said he is not looking “too far away” at the moment. One might argue that even though Hendo is ageing, it is still not time for the skipper to consider retirement.
Speaking about the matter himself, Henderson said:
“I look at some players still playing internationals at 36 and 37. So it just depends on how you feel physically and I feel very good. I think last season I played more games than anyone else in Europe. So physically it’s not an issue and I’m still excited being here with England.”
Hendo for England
Henderson also stated that it was one of his dreams as a kid to play for the nation, and that is something which would “never change” according to his own words. He cited the example of other international footballers who are playing at the age of 36 and hopes that this would not be his last major tournament with The Three Lions.
The Liverpool skipper has had the opportunity to lead the English national team on eight different occasions. Moreover, the last time he played for The Three Lions was in March earlier this year, against Switzerland. He has two goals and nine assists for the national team.
Fitness does not seem to be an issue for the 32-year-old who feels that he is in the best of shape since he has been in his 20s. Henderson continued:
“I don’t know if I’m fitter than I was when I was 20 because I was pretty fit then,” he said. “But I feel like I’m in such a good spot.”
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Even though he is not in the best of forms and starting to age, it is a long shot to think about retirement as early as 32. Age is not an issue nowadays as much as performance is. With that in mind, such a big career decision should be taken with a lot of consideration.
