Euro 2024: Gary Neville ‘stunned’ by Henderson’s omission from England squad

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has expressed shock following the omission of ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson from England’s Euro 2024 squad.

Jordan Henderson at the start of the season ditched Liverpool after 12 years at Anfield for Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaqto to link up with Reds legend Steven Gerard.

With his place in the England squad in doubt, Henderson later joined Ajax to help salvage his season and make the trip to Germany with England for the Euro 2024.

However, luck wasn’t on his side as he missed out on the provisional squad revealed by Gareth Southgate on Tuesday.

“So, Jordan Henderson, well that’s interesting [that he hasn’t made the England squad].
“He was actually a mainstay only 18 months ago in Qatar. And I just thought he’d be [there], with 26 players, a traveller, experience, to come on for 25 minutes and do a job.
“I’m really stunned, Neville remarked.

The former defender was however pleased with the choice of players included in the squad regardless of the omission.

“The one thing I would say about Henderson, universally everyone has been crying out for Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden in a three. And everyone’s always thought, ‘oh Kalvin Phillips will come in and play alongside Declan Rice, or Jordan will’.

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“We are actually in a situation now where Gareth Southgate, just by the personal he’s got, is going to be forced to play an attacking, almost like a dream midfield really if you think about it of Rice, Foden, Mainoo, Bellingham, he added.

🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 OFFICIAL: England provisional squad for Euro 2024, confirmed — to be cut to 26 players in June.

⛔️ Rashford, Chilwell, Reece James, Henderson, Kalvin Phillips, Nick Pope, Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Levi Colwill OUT. pic.twitter.com/24NUzpvvBv

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 21, 2024

Henderson was an instrumental part of Gareth Southgate’s team in Qatar playing a high part in their quarter-final run. His leadership qualities were evident during his England days.

Alongside, Henderson, notable names like Marcus Rashford, Reece James and Jadon Sancho all missed the plane to Germany.

England will face Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia in the group stages of Euro 2024 as they aim to win the tournament for the first time in their history.