Former England captain John Terry has launched a scathing critique of the FA’s perceived public relations strategy regarding Jordan Henderson’s World Cup squad inclusion, while also expressing disappointment with England manager Thomas Tuchel’s selection decisions.
Terry, who earned 78 caps for England between 2003 and 2012, voiced his concerns during an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored. His comments come on the eve of England’s Group L opener against Croatia in Arlington, with Henderson poised to make his fourth World Cup appearance.
Terry alleges FA “PR job” over Henderson praise
As reported by SPORTbible, the controversy intensified following the release of England’s Lions Den podcast on June 12, which featured midfielders Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers heaping praise on Jordan Henderson. Bellingham described Henderson as “so funny, the funniest guy in camp” and said he “gets everyone laughing, and he gets everyone together,” highlighting the veteran midfielder’s influence within the England squad.
Terry, however, found the timing and nature of these comments suspicious. “It was a bit weird,” Terry stated, reacting to the FA releasing content with Bellingham and Rogers praising Henderson. He suggested the FA was attempting to manage public perception. “I don’t think it’s for them to talk about, but I felt like the FA were kind of addressing something that everyone’s been talking about.”
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Tuchel’s omissions draw criticism
Tuchel’s decision to include Henderson in the 26-man squad has been met with scrutiny, particularly given the omission of other notable midfielders. Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Adam Wharton, and Morgan Gibbs-White were all left out, raising questions about the balance and experience within the squad.
Terry also highlighted the absence of key defensive players. “I was disappointed in the decision to leave out two experienced players, Maguire and Shaw,” he said, referring to Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
Despite his criticisms of the FA’s handling of the situation, Terry paradoxically offered a robust defence of Henderson’s potential role within the squad. He acknowledged that Henderson might not be a starter, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson expected to anchor the midfield, and either Rogers or Bellingham ahead of them in a No. 10 role.
However, Terry believes Henderson’s experience could be invaluable. “Jordan Henderson is 100 per cent that player for us. He’s brave, he’ll come on for the last 15 or 20 minutes. I think he’s got a big role to play,” Terry affirmed, suggesting Henderson could be a crucial figure in the latter stages of matches.
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England’s World Cup campaign will continue after their opening match against Croatia, with subsequent Group L fixtures against Ghana in Foxborough on June 23 and Panama in New Jersey on June 27.
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