Liverpool star unlikely to start Euro 2024 qualifier opener for European heavyweights

Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson unlikely to start against Italy in Euro 2024 qualifiers

According to Liverpool Echo, Reds’ skipper Jordan Henderson, who is a part of England’s squad for the Euro 2020 Qualifiers, will not start the Three Lions’ first game against Italy. The midfield will likely consist of Kalvin Phillips, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.

While it is always an honour for players to represent their country, the news will undoubtedly come as a blow to those who support both Henderson and Liverpool. The one positive aspect of him not starting for Gareth Southgate’s squad is he wouldn’t be as prone to injury otherwise.

Hendo’s last appearance for the Three Lions, much like the majority of the rest of the squad came in the World Cup quarter-finals against France wherein England lost 1-2 after a pretty late goal by Olivier Giroud.

Despite the disappointment of Henderson’s absence, Liverpool fans will undoubtedly still be cheering on the England team as they take on Italy. The rivalry between the two nations is intense, especially after the last Euros, and victory for England would be a significant boost to their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024.

Hendo benched against Italy?

The other expected Liverpool representative Trent Alexander-Arnold stands left out of the squad for this set of qualifiers. Even though it is not the most ideal of situations for the player, the scope of injuries goes down significantly which could be great given the Reds’ eerie season so far.

England will play fixtures against Italy and Ukraine in this international break, and they would hope to get wins out of both these games. Hopefully, Hendo gets a starting role in the next game much to the delight of Liverpool fans.

While the higher-ups at the Reds would want their players to succeed with their national teams, they will also be wary of the fact that an increase in playtime and in probably forced international breaks like these could be a major injury magnet.

Liverpool do not play any game until the first of April, when they take on Manchester City in the league fixture at the Etihad. Hopefully, our squad is closer to full-strength by then and we could get the final phase of our season right off the bat.

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To conclude, Hendo’s absence from the starting lineup will be felt both by the team and their fans. It is unclear why he won’t start, but Liverpool fans will hope that he can recover swiftly and return to his usual form.