England midfielder Jordan Henderson is confident he “can offer something to the national team” providing he plays well for Ajax.
The former Liverpool captain is likely to start as the Eredivisie club face Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League tomorrow night, presenting an excellent opportunity to show Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate he can still cut it at the highest level.
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Southgate visited Amsterdam to watch Henderson’s Ajax debut against PSV Eindhoven on February 3, something the 33-year-old appreciated.
He said: “It was really nice for Gareth to come over and watch my debut for Ajax.
“It was good for him to come and watch to see that he’s keeping an eye on me.
“It’s always a privilege for me to play for my country and I want to do that for as long as possible.”
Henderson left Anfield in July last year to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittifaq but failed to settle with reports also suggesting he was concerned he would lose his spot in Southgate’s plans for this summer’s European Championship if he remained in the Middle East.
‘I’ve settled in really well’ 🙂@JHENDERSON about his time at Ajax so far… #UECL #AJAAVL
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) MARCH 6, 2024
A move to Ajax in the January transfer window followed with the former Sunderland man impressing on his appearances so far. He still harbours England ambitions and could yet be handed a ticket on the plane to Germany, particularly with defensive midfield rival Kalvin Phillips enduring a miserable season with Manchester City and West Ham.
Henderson added: “I’ve got to focus on my job here and if I’m doing that well and performing well then that gives me the best possible opportunity to get in the England squad.
“I definitely feel I can offer something to the national team. I have got to be playing and doing my job here, that is my main focus. But of course I feel I can help the squad and the team going forward in the next camp and hopefully in the summer.
“I have just got to continue to play well here and stay fit and hopefully I will get the opportunity to do that, because playing for my country is a huge thing and always has been.’
