DANNY MURPHY: I’m baffled why Thomas Tuchel has recalled Jordan Henderson to the England squad – he’s got fans’ backs up already

I listened to Thomas Tuchel explain his reasons for giving Jordan Henderson an England recall but it still makes no sense. It’s utterly baffling to me and risks blocking the pathway of others.

Jordan is someone I respect and I feel he’s been under-appreciated with Liverpool and England. 

But to turn to him now at the age of 34 when he’s not getting regular starts for Ajax in an average Dutch League is one of the strangest decisions I can remember.

Tuchel has put a lot of emphasis on Henderson’s character but this England squad already has leaders in Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and Jordan Pickford. 

At 26, Declan Rice has bags of experience in the Champions League and major tournaments. Are you not restricting his influence by recalling Henderson?

Some very good midfield prospects have been left out to allow his return. How will Conor Gallagher feel after scoring last week for Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid? He is a phenomenal athlete who can play deep and defend for his life. 

Henderson isn’t even getting regular starts in the Dutch League – to turn to him now is baffling

Elliott Anderson has been impressive in Nottingham Forest’s incredible season. Adam Wharton looks an ideal partner for Rice. 

There is goodwill towards Tuchel because fans want to see a more adventurous England. But Henderson’s inclusion is a negative decision and puts the fans’ backs up right away.

Then again, let’s not forget his past achievements: Champions League-winning captain for Liverpool and World Cup semi-finalist. 

But he’ll be 36 by the summer of next year. I can’t see him impacting games in America.

Tuchel clearly sets a lot of store in team spirit and he’s right. Yet it’s not a problem that needed fixing. 

The way Gareth Southgate’s team reached the Euros final despite being on the ropes for a lot of the tournament is evidence of great camaraderie.

The biggest omission for me was Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. With John Stones and Harry Maguire injured, this was a perfect opportunity to see if Marc Guehi and Branthwaite could form a partnership. 

They are both capable of defending one-on-one which you’ll need at the World Cup. I am, though, pleased for Dan Burn, having known him as a young player at Fulham.

Henderson will be 36 next year and I can’t see him impacting games in America

I am glad Dan Burn got the nod, having known him as a young defender during my Fulham days

I applaud Tuchel’s bravery to select Marcus Rashford because there will no doubt be backlash

I applaud Tuchel’s bravery to select Marcus Rashford because he knows there will be a backlash from those who feel his resurgence at Aston Villa hasn’t been for long enough to justify a recall.

The way Rashford can fly past defenders offers England something different. He’s capable of going to the World Cup so it makes sense to get him back in the fold now. He and Anthony Gordon are best suited to supplying Harry Kane down the left.

I’ve also championed the cause of Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and welcome his selection. Like another Gunners left back Ashley Cole, the 18-year-old looks destined for a long international career.