England manager Thomas Tuchel has been considering a surprise start for Jordan Henderson against Andorra in Barcelona this afternoon.
If the 34-year-old does begin the game it will be his 84th England cap and his first start for his country since November 2023.
Tuchel has talked at length about recalling Henderson from the international wilderness on the back of his leadership qualities off the field.
But it would still be a big call to choose the former Liverpool captain – now at Ajax – ahead of Arsenal’s Declan Rice in a World Cup qualifier against the nation ranked 173rd in the world.
Elsewhere, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones may start at right back with Reece James of Chelsea on the left.
Newcastle’s Dan Burn is expected to partner Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa in the centre of the England defence.
Thomas Tuchel is considering starting Jordan Henderson in England’s clash against Andorra
Tuchel has praised Henderson’s leadership skills after recalling him to the squad
Henderson, now at Ajax, could be named in the XI ahead of Arsenal’s Declan Rice
It was revealed earlier today that Bukayo Saka has been left out of the squad while Conor Gallagher will also be absent.
Speaking on Friday, Tuchel revealed that Saka had only trained once with his team-mates ahead of the game, with the omission understood to be linked to his fitness.
Saka is yet to feature for his country since Tuchel assumed his position as Gareth Southgate’s successor at St George’s Park in January.
The 23-year-old was unavailable for selection for Tuchel’s first games in charge of England back in March, as he continued his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has returned home after picking up a minor injury this week.
