Southgate can't keep Henderson in the England squad - Newcastle, Villa and Liverpool players would be furious

Gareth Southgate leaving the England door open for Saudi Arabia-bound Jordan Henderson would have sent a terrible message and scoffed at the manager's words.

Here's hoping Gareth Southgate is simply keeping his theoretical options open rather than the door itself. After almost seven years as England manager, the true litmus test of his credibility, integrity and principles has been established.

If Jordan Henderson is named in his next squad for the games against Ukraine and Scotland in September, it would be a farce.

For the outgoing Liverpool captain to make any Three Lions selections after that would be unjustifiable and indefensible.

Henderson has already tried to gauge what impact his imminent move to Al-Ettifaq would have on those international prospects. Southgate's reported response was characteristically noncommittal and neutral, with "no guarantees" offered either way to the 33-year-old, who is eighth most caps under the current manager (48).

This should not be hindered by an individual whose professional and public stance on most matters is to shuffle further back to his place on the fence. Southgate tends to communicate his true position through actions rather than words.

But telling Henderson his move to Saudi Arabia "will not affect his place in the England squad" (The Athletic) must be nothing more than a slur offered before an awkward but necessary kiss and break-up. To pick the midfielder again would make a mockery of many things, not least everything Southgate has said and done during the transition reign.

Leaving aside the grandiose moralizing that Henderson invited with his latest career move, football's problems are clear. Joining the team that finished seventh last season, nine points above the relegation zone but 22 off the pace for AFC Champions League qualification, with a negative goal difference, no more than two consecutive wins at any stage, top scorer on eight goals, Average attendances lower than five National League clubs and an unsuccessful Premier League manager has career implications. He cannot expect to have his money-soaked cake and eat it at every international break.

Jordan Henderson has accepted an offer to move to Saudi Arabia

Southgate must know how pathetic it would be, how weak and hypocritical it would look, how much it would undermine the message he was trying so hard to get across, to select Henderson based on what he did in 2018, 2021 and 2022, while ignoring what did he do in 2023.

No one can take away the World Cup and European Championship contributions provided by England's 22nd player for all the matches. Henderson was a vital player for his country and one of the few good enough to see them through the bleak days after Euro 2016 with his stock not only intact but improved.

But Southgate has to draw the line there and move on.

The English manager has long been beaten with the wrong stick by his critics. The continued support of Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips despite their lack of playing time in Manchester has drawn condemnation that almost always misses the mark. Southgate has his favourites, but no successful international manager does. It is an essential, unavoidable part of a uniquely challenging role.

But the casually damning line Southgate offered in February 2017 that "I never choose reputation - form has to come into it" looms awkwardly in the background. Any selection for Henderson from now on could only be based on reputation. Henderson, who has joined a standard Championship club at best - and that's an incredibly flattering comparison for Al-Ettifaq - does that. His form is superfluous to them. The level he has stooped to is so low. Southgate will no doubt be watching from afar, but measuring elite performance and fitness against Ibrahim Mohannashi, Faisal Al-Ghamdi and Ali Abdullah Hazazi for a place is pointless and irrelevant.

Attempts to rationalize Henderson's decision from a footballing point of view have already begun. As one national newspaper reported: "Southgate wants Henderson to get regular football this season, which might not happen if he stays at Liverpool." But that argument doesn't hold up with Maguire, Phillips and others remaining in the England picture, though their club prospects suffered.

"I'm not going to say we won't pick a player from the Championship because it could happen, but it's a lot more difficult to judge his level," Southgate once said, explaining why early calls for Jack Grealish in 2018 were ignored. .

“You see certain parts of the game but not others. Sometimes not the physicality, nor the tactical discipline," added Southgate. “That's another level in the Premier League - the speed, the pace. He's a player we know everything about, he's a player we're watching, but that last piece of evidence that could give you the confidence to pick him the moment we don't see him."

It's a different case in that Henderson has produced a wealth of evidence over the course of many major tournaments and qualifying campaigns that Southgate believes above all else. But that becomes irrelevant when he plays and trains week after week at such a significantly lower quality.

“What is the best way to judge our players? The Champions League," is another point Southgate has worked on before. Henderson, who has joined a club that has only played in the Asian equivalent twice, and not at all since being beaten after one qualifying match in 2012, is effectively set to leave.

The message that selecting a barely half-baked Henderson would send to those players on the periphery, Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsey, Harvey Elliott, Morgan Gibbs-White and many others who excel against far better players on far more easily defined platforms, would be incredibly damaging. If the Serie A title winner and Champions League semi-finalist in Fikayo Tomori can be consistently overlooked for reasons legitimate or otherwise, it is impossible to countenance further caps for Henderson.

Understandably, Southgate refused to let one of his most trusted lieutenants choose directly between cash and land. Letting him have both would be laughable. Leaving that door hypothetically ajar without even inviting Henderson back in would be the right thing to do. 

In a surprising turn of events, England manager Gareth Southgate's decision to overlook Jordan Henderson in the national squad has caused uproar among Newcastle, Aston Villa and Liverpool players. The exclusion of the talented midfielder from the England squad has fueled controversy and frustration among football enthusiasts and fans alike. In this article, we delve into the SEO optimized reasons for choosing Southgate and the reactions of players associated with Henderson's club teams.

Gareth Southgate's Selection Conundrum:

Jordan Henderson's omission from the England squad has sparked widespread debate. We examine the reasons behind Southgate's decision, including potential tactical considerations, form analysis and possible injury concerns. By understanding the manager's thought process, we shed light on the logic of this controversial move.

Jordan Henderson's All-Star Club Performance:

As captain of Liverpool FC, Jordan Henderson has consistently performed impressively on the pitch and led the club to many successes. We highlight his key role in Liverpool's midfield and demonstrate how his presence significantly affects the team's play. This context highlights the surprise of both fans and players at his exclusion from the national team.

Outrage among Newcastle United supporters:

As a former Newcastle United player, Jordan Henderson still holds a special place in the hearts of the Toon Army. With his rise to prominence at Liverpool, Newcastle fans have followed his career closely. We examine the reactions of Newcastle supporters on social media platforms and fan forums who feel disheartened by the lack of representation of their beloved player in the national team.

Aston Villa players expressed displeasure:

Given his exceptional talent and consistent performances, Jordan Henderson's absence from the England squad has also sparked reactions from Aston Villa players. We analyze what Villa team-mates have to say and the impact Henderson's omission could have on the team's dynamic during the international break.

Liverpool FC's frustration with Henderson's omission:

Henderson's dismissal as Liverpool captain and key player caused outrage among the club's supporters. We examine how the decision has affected the mood at Liverpool FC and examine the comments from colleagues voicing their support for Henderson amid the disappointment.

Speculation surrounding Henderson's future:

With the European Championships looming, we delve into the potential implications of Henderson's ban on his future as an England international. Could this decision serve as a catalyst for discussions about his role in the national team going forward?

Gareth Southgate's controversial decision to drop Jordan Henderson from the England squad has sparked a storm of reaction from fans and players at Newcastle, Aston Villa and Liverpool. As the debate rages, it remains to be seen how the move will affect both Henderson's international career and England's performance in the upcoming competitions.

England national team manager Gareth Southgate faces a tough dilemma as he grapples with the decision to keep Jordan Henderson in the England squad. This contentious situation caused considerable controversy, leaving players from Newcastle, Aston Villa and Liverpool feeling sad. In this article, we delve into the SEO-optimized reasons behind Southgate's predicament and its potential impact on various Premier League clubs.

The essential role of Jordan Henderson in the England team

Jordan Henderson, Liverpool's respected captain, was a key figure in the England national team. Due to his exceptional leadership and on-field skills, Henderson's presence in the team was highly valued during international competitions. His ability to control the midfield and influence play made him an integral part of Southgate's tactical plans.

Southgate's selection conundrum

Despite Henderson's undeniable talent, Southgate faces a difficult selection conundrum due to the number of talented midfielders at his disposal. With the diversification of England's midfield options and the arrival of younger talent, the competition for a place in the national team has intensified. Balancing experience with youth becomes pivotal for a manager, leading to tough decisions.

Angry players at Newcastle, Aston Villa and Liverpool

Henderson's potential exclusion from the England squad leaves players from Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Liverpool disheartened and frustrated. As their respected club captain, Henderson's absence during international matches could affect the team's momentum and performance. Players' loyalty and passion for their national team often stirs emotions and fuels discontent when beloved teammates are absent.

Impact on Premier League clubs

For Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Liverpool, Henderson's absence could create a void that could be difficult to fill. The absence of a key player due to international duty can affect a club's performance, especially during key matches in domestic leagues and competitions. Club managers and fans alike would hope for an optimal balance between national and club duties to avoid potential disruption.

Finding the Middle Ground: Player Benefit and National Duty

Amid player anger and club concerns, the focus is also on player well-being. Overexerting players with too many international matches can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of injury, which in turn affects their club performances. Finding a middle ground that takes player welfare into account and balances national duties with club commitments becomes paramount for the FA and Southgate.

As Southgate grapples with the difficult task of shaping his England squad, Jordan Henderson's potential exclusion has not gone unnoticed. Balancing experience and emerging talent while keeping in mind the interests of Premier League clubs and the welfare of players is a challenge that requires careful consideration. While furious players hope to see their beloved captain represent the nation, the final decision rests on Southgate's shoulders and could significantly affect the dynamics of both the national team and club football.

Gareth Southgate's recent decision to include Jordan Henderson in the England squad has sparked controversy among players from Newcastle, Villa and Liverpool. While some may applaud the selection of the midfielder, others say it could adversely affect their respective clubs. In this article, we delve into the implications of Southgate's selection and why some players are angry about it.

Impact of Henderson's England call-up on Newcastle players

Southgate's decision to keep Henderson in the England squad has sparked concern among Newcastle players. Given the intense competition in the Premier League, they fear the absence of their influential midfielder could weaken their squad during key matches. The timing of the call-up and its potential impact on Newcastle's performance have been questioned by both fans and the club's management.

Villa players concerned about team dynamics

Aston Villa players are also expressing their displeasure with Henderson's inclusion in the England squad. With Villa aiming for a strong finish in the Premier League, they fear losing key players to international duty could hamper their progress. Disrupting team dynamics and team chemistry is a legitimate concern on Dean Smith's part.

Liverpool's dilemma with Henderson's international commitments

While Jordan Henderson's England call-up may seem like a proud moment for Liverpool fans, there is another side to the story. Liverpool players are fuming at the potential pressure on the depth of their squad, especially at key stages of the season. With title aspirations and other commitments, the absence of their influential captain could be a significant setback.

Southgate's reasoning and the controversy surrounding the selection

Gareth Southgate's decision to include Henderson despite concerns from the club's players has led to debate among football pundits and fans. The England manager's reasoning for calling up the experienced midfielder needs to be closely analyzed to understand his point of view.

The importance of balancing international and club duties

The player selection debate highlights the need for a fine balance between international and club duties. While invitations to the national team are prestigious, they can also present challenges for players and their clubs. In such situations, the key is to find a middle ground that benefits all parties involved.

A potential solution and way forward

Open communication between national team managers and club coaches is essential to ease the tension caused by Henderson's selection. Identifying critical matchups and ensuring players are available at crucial times can go a long way in resolving conflict. Furthermore, to promote a harmonious relationship between national teams and clubs, it is essential to consider the overall impact on player well-being and performance.

Gareth Southgate's decision to keep Jordan Henderson in the England squad has raised eyebrows and sparked strong emotions among Newcastle, Aston Villa and Liverpool players. While international call-ups are an honor, they also raise concerns about a potential disruption to club dynamics and performances. Achieving a balance between national team commitments and club duties is essential to maintain player harmony and optimize performance on both fronts.