Jordan Henderson has responded to Roy Keane‘s comments about his inclusion in England’s Euro 2020 squad, stating that he hopes to make a “big contribution” in the tournament.
The Liverpool captain was included in the squad despite having missed the last three months due to injury.
He did make the bench for the Reds’ final Premier League game against Crystal Palace on May 23, but his second half appearance in the friendly against Romania on Sunday was his first action since February 20.
Prior to the Romania game, Keane questioned Henderson’s fitness and believed that he should not have been selected in the England squad.
He said: “I was convinced Jordan was going to play the other day [against Austria].
“I think it’s a huge distraction – he’s clearly not fit.
“I don’t think he should be involved. If he can’t start against Romania, he’s not fit.
He added: “I’ve heard a lot of people say they want him around the place. For what? Does he do card tricks? Does he have a sing-song? Does he do quizzes in the evening? What does he do? Liverpool won’t be happy either.”
Henderson responds to Keane comments
Henderson has since responded to the comments made by Keane, and says he is in a position where he can contribute during the Euros.
“To be fair to Roy, he can say what he wants about me,” he said during England’s media day.
“He gave me my debut, and I wouldn’t be here without him giving me that. He can say whatever he wants about me.
“I found it quite funny actually. So yeah, listen, we know a little bit more detail, I know more detail and so does the manager, which Roy may not.
“But in terms of stuff like that, everyone’s going to have an opinion, everybody’s going to think they know better than everybody else.
“But for me, all my focus has been on the last couple of months is working as hard as I possibly can to be in a position where I can contribute in the tournament, and I’m very thankful I’m in that position now.”
He added: “I want to come here and I want to contribute in the games. How much of that is not really down to me, it’s up to the manager to make a decision.
“But whenever I’m called upon, I’ll be ready and hopefully I can be a big contribution to this tournament and our success going forward.”
Whether Henderson starts England’s opening game against Croatia on June 13 remains to be seen.
Gareth Southgate said that England are “realistic” about the part he could play in the tournament, and added that getting Henderson to a good level would be “a bonus”.
In Henderson’s absence, England started with a midfield three of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish against Austria.
Against Romania, Grealish, Kalvin Phillips and James Ward-Prowse started the game – although Ward-Prowse is not in England’s final 26-man squad.
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