JORDAN NOT JUST HERE FOR CHEERS

JORDAN HENDERSON has slammed the idea that he is in the England squad just to be a "cheerleader".

- BY JOHN CROSS

England boss Thomas Tuchel sprang a surprise by recalling 35-year-old Henderson into his first squad - and has stuck with him ever since.

It has brought accusations that he is only in the England set-up because he is a good character to have around the dressing room rather than for what he brings to the pitch.

But Henderson, now back in the Premier League with Brentford, insists he is in on merit and has also set his sights on going to next summer's World Cup.

Former Liverpool captain Henderson said: "I don't think I need to address it, to be fair.

"I have shown what I can do for England over the years. I am still playing at a high level.