Jordan Henderson Targets England Recall After Chelsea Revival Under Alonso
Jordan Henderson has set his sights on an England return after making his third Chelsea start in the 2-0 Premier League win at Everton, insisting he still believes he can perform at the elite level.
The 36-year-old midfielder, who joined Chelsea from Brentford in the summer, has revived his campaign under Xabi Alonso. Henderson followed a two-goal, one-assist display in the 5-1 victory over Bournemouth by helping the Blues record their first league clean sheet since January at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Pedro Neto decided the match with both Chelsea goals. He struck 44 seconds into the second half, then completed his first Premier League brace in the 90th minute after a Henderson free-kick was deflected into his path.
The game was overshadowed by a serious head injury suffered by Everton goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez after a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite.
Henderson targets England place
Henderson has been left out of recent England Nations League selections after a shortage of club minutes, but remains in touch with national-team manager Thomas Tuchel.
“The desire to play for England will always be there,” Henderson said. “I feel capable of operating at the top level, but my job is to perform for Chelsea first. Representing England is always a huge honour.”
He added that a recall will depend on his form and Tuchel’s squad choices, but said he will keep pushing while he is playing regularly and feeling fit.
Questions followed Chelsea’s decision to depart from their youth-led recruitment approach for Henderson, with some suggesting his role would be limited to providing experience around the dressing room. The former Liverpool captain says he intends to answer those doubts on the pitch.
“I’m enjoying it,” he said. “People had plenty to say when I arrived, but I have to show what I can do in matches. The team is starting to come together and it is easier when you have quality players around you.
“Everyone matters in this squad. It is not simply about me helping younger players; they can help the more experienced ones too. I’m still learning and improving.”
Who is affected
- Jordan Henderson: Building his Chelsea minutes and aiming to force his way back into Tuchel’s England plans.
- Pedro Neto: Comes off his first Premier League double after sealing the Everton win.
- Emiliano Martínez: Faces assessment after the head collision with Branthwaite.
- Xabi Alonso: Takes Chelsea into a defining run against three major domestic rivals.
What happens next
- Chelsea play Tottenham on Saturday.
- Alonso’s side then meet Liverpool in the EFL Cup fourth round.
- Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge to finish Chelsea’s October programme, before the next international break.
Those fixtures give Henderson a major opportunity to strengthen his Chelsea role and present his case for an England call-up.
