Joe Cole believes Jordan Henderson has put his England profession in danger by choosing a transfer to the Saudi Professional League this summer season.
Henderson joined Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq from Liverpool, in a change which has provoked widespread condemnation given the midfielder’s earlier allyship with the LGBTQ+ group.
The 33-year-old saved his place in Gareth Southgate’s newest England squad, enjoying the total 90 minutes because the Three Lions drew 1-1 with Ukraine in Euro 2024 qualifying on Saturday – however he appeared off the tempo in comparison with his teammates, all of whom ply their commerce in both the Premier League, La Liga or the Bundesliga.
And, talking as a pundit on Channel 4, Cole expressed doubts about Henderson’s inclusion going ahead. The previous Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham man stated: “Once you’re competing with the gamers Henderson is competing with – [Declan] Rice, [Jude] Bellingham, [James] Ward-Prowse, [Kalvin] Phillips – they’re all enjoying within the Champions League [and Europa League].
“Is he going to be as sharp as he was? It’s important to keep in mind the margins that England went out with in opposition to France on the final World Cup.
“It’s important to be so sharp, each participant on the pitch. Henderson will know he is put his England future in jeopardy.”
Cole was additionally essential of Henderson for an interview he gave with The Athletic earlier this week defending his resolution to maneuver to Saudi Arabia – a rustic the place homosexuality is punishable by loss of life. He added:
“After all I can perceive [why LGBTQ+ fans are angry]. I see it from either side. It is tough to speak about.
“I feel the place Jordan slipped up [in his interview] is afterwards, when he stated he wasn’t going there for the cash. It is an enormous contract.”
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