'Something is going through the TV!' - Ex-Liverpool star promises UPROAR if Jordan Henderson picked for England

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant believes there will be “uproar” if Jordan Henderson continues to be picked in the England midfield ahead of other options. 

Henderson, 33, left Liverpool last summer for a short-lived spell playing under Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. 

That experience came to an end during the January transfer window when the former Liverpool captain returned to Europe with Ajax. 

Despite moving to the less competitive Saudi Pro League, Henderson continued to be a presence in Gareth Southgate’s England squad. 

He’s retained his place since moving to Amsterdam even in light of significant criticism angled towards him from the Dutch press. 

And with Euro 2024 just around the corner, the ex-Sunderland man looks a safe bet to make the Three Lions’ squad for the summer tournament. 

However, with emerging midfield options like Mainoo breaking through, it’s reckoned to be an ideal opportunity for Southgate to move on from older heads in the selection like Henderson. 

However, Southgate could still opt for the more experienced Henderson in the centre of the park, a prospect which fills ex-Red Pennant with dread. 

Picking Henderson for England 'doesn't make any sense'

"If I see Henderson, something is going through the TV," the 2007 Champions League finalist said on talkSPORT’s Sports Bar. "Oh there would be uproar.

"This is the perfect scenario, it's not a qualifier, it's not in the Euros, it's a friendly.

"So if he [Kobbie Mainoo] can handle this and play as he's been playing for Man United, then you go, 'Right, another little experience for him, perfect, just what you want from these young players.' 

"Rather than putting Henderson there who is a veteran who we know what we're going to get, he's not going to be exciting, it just doesn't make any sense."

Henderson has played 81 times for England throughout his senior international career, representing the side at six major tournaments.