Jordan Henderson is supposed to be 36 next week, but on a 32-degree pitch in England’s first World Cup warm-up against New Zealand, the Brentford midfielder looked anything but a player just making up the numbers. Thomas Tuchel has called him one of the “untouchables” – a category the England manager uses to distinguish the leaders in his squad from the 14 starters and the rest. And after a first-half display that included a perfectly weighted pass to set up Ollie Watkins – albeit the chance was missed – Henderson is proving he has not simply arrived at the World Cup as a glorified cheerleader.
Tuchel shocked English football when he recalled Henderson for his first squad in March 2025, describing him as a “serial winner” and the “glue” that holds teams together. The manager is obsessed with building a “brotherhood” of good characters, and Henderson, the oldest member of the 26-man squad, epitomises that. Henderson’s 36th birthday falls on 17 June – the same day England face Croatia in their Group L fixture.
“Jordan Henderson is one of Tuchel's 'untouchables' and proved his worth in England's warm-up win over New Zealand.”
Henderson’s absence from Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad was a decision the former manager later regretted, the FA’s research suggesting that only 21 of the 26 players usually get minutes in a tournament. The five who don’t – including two reserve keepers – must not mope around and bring down the mood. Tuchel learned from Southgate’s mistake: the new, young players lacked connection, they lacked Henderson.
Privately, Henderson believes he will get more game time than many England fans expect. He looked sharp and fit against New Zealand, despite looking exhausted after the match – the heat was punishing. He could get another runout in the next friendly against Costa Rica on Wednesday.
Henderson is also cast as Jude Bellingham’s “minder,” a role that patronises both players but highlights the respect Bellingham has for the veteran. As England’s World Cup campaign edges closer, Henderson is not just a tourist – he is one of Tuchel’s untouchables, and he is ready to play his part.