Jordan Henderson insists he is determined to maintain his England career despite leaving the Premier League… but reveals he has received no guarantees over Euros place
Jordan Henderson is confident he can help England achieve European glory this summer but has received no guarantees from Gareth Southgate that he will be selected.
The former Liverpool skipper will take on Aston Villa for his new club Ajax on Thursday – the first time he has faced a Premier League club since departing Anfield for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq last July.
Not playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues means Henderson has to fight hard to convince Southgate to pick him but the former England vice captain is certain he can still contribute effectively.
‘It was really nice for Gareth to come over and watch my debut for Ajax,’ said Henderson. ‘It was good for him to come and watch to see that he’s keeping an eye on me.
‘It’s always a privilege for me to play for my country and I want to do that for as long as possible.
Jordan Henderson has revealed he has received no guarantees over his spot in the England squad this summer
Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate was in attendance in the Netherlands for Henderson’s Ajax debut
Henderson said he feels he can still ‘offer something’ to the squad if selected in the summer
‘I’ve got to focus on my job here and if I’m doing that well and performing well then that gives me the best possible opportunity to get in the England squad.
‘I definitely feel I can offer something to the national team. I have got to be playing and doing my job here, that is my main focus. But of course I feel I can help the squad and the team going forward in the next camp and hopefully in the summer.
‘I have just got to continue to play well here and stay fit and hopefully I will get the opportunity to do that, because playing for my country is a huge thing and always has been.’
