Thomas Tuchel tells England rejects it's 'impossible' for them to bring Jordan Henderson's qualities into Three Lions squad as decision to rely on Ajax midfielder explained

The 34-year-old has been included in the squad for England's upcoming friendlies against Andorra and Senegal in June, sparking mixed reactions from fans and media following a disappointing end to Henderson's season at Ajax while young Crystal Palace player Adam Wharton misses out on a place.

Tuchel says the ex-Liverpool star's place in the team was never in question as he explained that the veteran is crucial when it comes to setting the standards regardless of the situation, insisting younger players cannot fill that role.

He told reporters: "If we have a training exercise with different groups and you have a group with Jordan you can turn your back you don't need to watch. He will take care of all the standards in the group. It may be a possession game, a passing exercise, maybe the warm up but you don't need to take care of this group because Jordan takes care of it. He sets the standards. He is a natural leader and the others follow. That is why he is with us. He is doing this in an impressive way and still playing at a decent level. That is why there was not a thought to drop him."

Asked if he is annoyed by the regular questions about Henderson's place in the team, he added: "I can understand it but once you meet Jordan and once you see Jordan and once you speak to Jordan, it's such an obvious choice... It's not Adam Wharton vs Jordan Henderson. What Jordan Henderson brings in the moment to the group, an under 21 player cannot bring, it's just impossible from the personality and from the experience."

The Three Lions face Andorra on June 7 in a World Cup qualifier before facing Senegal in a friendly at the City Ground three days later.