Harry Kane gives his verdict on Jordan Henderson’s controversial England recall and reveals role Thomas Tuchel wants him to play for England

Henderson, 34, was a surprise inclusion in new England boss Tuchel's first Three Lions squad last week but the German is a big admirer of the midfielder - and so is striker Kane. The Bayern Munich striker said the Ajax ace still has "a lot to give" England on the pitch and that Tuchel very much sees Kane as a number nine going forward; albeit with licence to roam.

He told reporters on Henderson: "It's great. In any squad, you need good leadership and strong leadership. We are different types of leaders but we both have an impact on people. He's been really sharp and still feel like he's got a lot to give us on the pitch."

On Tuchel, Kane added: "I think he did last season. He sees me as number nine, to be the guy to be in the box and score the goals. But there were times last season especially when we were building up that I was the guy to help link the play and help get us out of high-pressure situations. And if I did get on the ball, we spoke a lot of the wingers and the number ten running in behind and having runners for me, if I did drop."

Henderson received his first England call-up since November 2023, ahead of younger players in his position such as Adam Wharton and Conor Gallagher. But it seems Tuchel is relying on the veteran's experience as he bids to deliver England the 2026 World Cup.

It remains to be seen if Henderson will feature for England in their World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia on Friday and Monday respectively.