Jordan Henderson's role at World Cup focuses on leadership over play
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 5:11 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Jordan Henderson is in the England squad for the World Cup primarily as a leader, rather than a key player on the field. Wayne Rooney noted on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast that while he wouldn’t have included Henderson, he understands manager Thomas Tuchel's decision. Rooney anticipates that Henderson, 36, may struggle for playing time but is valued for his ability to manage training sessions and support teammates emotionally during the tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
- •Henderson could make history at this summer's World Cup.
- •Rooney doubts Henderson will have significant playing time.
- •His leadership is seen as crucial for managing training.
- •Support for teammates' emotional well-being is a focus.
- 5:11 PMYahoo Sports — Is Henderson at the World Cup as more of a leader than a player?
"Wayne Rooney, England's second-most capped player at international level, has admitted: "I personally wouldn't have taken Jordan Henderson but I completely understand why Thomas Tuchel has done." The Brentford midfielder has the chance to make history at this summer's World Cup as the first Englishman to play at seven major international tournaments. "The thinking behind it will firstly be to help manage the training sessions the next day after games and to help drive those training sessions, if we are being honest, because he is a leader," he said on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Soccer•Jun 17, 2026, 7:11 PMRonaldo flatters to deceive as Portugal slump to DR Congo draw
Soccer•Jun 17, 2026, 7:05 PMThe key issues for Rangers and new manager McInnes- FIFA World Cup•Jun 17, 2026, 7:03 PMWorld Cup: 10 eye-popping soccer card sales, including Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal
- FIFA World Cup•Jun 17, 2026, 7:01 PMBernardo Silva plays 45 minutes in Portugal’s draw vs DR Congo
- FIFA World Cup•Jun 17, 2026, 7:00 PMEngland vs. Croatia free live stream: How to watch World Cup game online without cable
- MLS•Jun 17, 2026, 6:47 PMAli Ahmed and Canada prepare for Vancouver homecoming at the World Cup in a wide-open Group B
