Liverpool great says Jordan Henderson call-up sums up England national team's long-time problem

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The new England manager named the then-Ajax midfielder to his first ever camp back in March, citing his vast experience — which looks likely to be his ticket into the 2026 squad.

Despite angering a lot of the Liverpool faithful by moving to Saudi Arabia, Henderson can no doubt count on the well-wishes of most of his former fans in his bid to make it to one last major tournament.

He thinks that it all feeds into a long-standing England problem.

"Looking at Henderson, he has experience, but maybe he is blocking the way for youngsters who can be given a chance to play and make an England first team appearance," Heskey told the Daily Star and William Hill.

"So it is a challenge Tuchel has to get the players to replicate their club form and as a group of players, perform with freedom and express themselves.

"I think Tuchel has the same problem other England managers have faced.

You have a group of highly talented players, but it’s then getting them to put their club form into performing for their country."

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But it's true that any manager of a major country will always face the dual challenges of picking the best players from a very talented pool, and translating players' club form into a cohesive national setup.

Arguably, continuity is the best way of achieving the latter goal, allowing a tight-knit group of players to learn and grow together.

He made 62 appearances for England between 1999 and 2010, earning the respect of successive managers.

Heskey's spell at Liverpool is also often unfairly criticized