Jordan Henderson’s Unforgettable Journey to the Euro 2024 Final
In a tale that could easily be mistaken for a scene from a road trip movie, Jordan Henderson shared a unique experience that highlights his dedication to the England national team. Despite not being called up for the Euro 2024 tournament, Henderson was determined to support his teammates in the final against Spain. His solution? Hiring a van and driving to Germany with his family to witness the action firsthand.
Henderson, who has been a stalwart for England with 82 caps, found himself on the outside looking in during Gareth Southgate’s tenure, missing out on the Euro 2024 squad. However, with the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as the new England manager, Henderson has been welcomed back into the fold. This week marked his return to the national setup, a moment that surely felt like a homecoming for the seasoned midfielder.
Reflecting on his journey to the final, Henderson recounted the logistical challenges he faced. “I didn’t know until late doors whether I could go with training or times or schedule,” he explained. “But we were off or late the next day so I was able to go. Then, when I found out I could go, there were no flights anywhere. I couldn’t go from England, couldn’t go from Amsterdam. So I looked at how far it was and I hired a van for me and the family and we drove across.”
Despite the effort, the final ended in heartbreak for England, who suffered a 2-1 defeat due to a late goal from Mikel Oyarzabal. Yet, for Henderson, the experience was about more than just the result. It was an opportunity to connect with fans and experience the tournament from a different perspective. “When we needed the toilet or something, or popping in the garages, it was quite funny to see some of the fans,” he said. “Actually, it was quite nice to be with them. Obviously I would have rather been with the team.”
Henderson’s story is a testament to his passion for the game and his unwavering support for his teammates. “I was watching on the telly and it was hard but all I wanted was the lads to do well and win. I had a good feeling that we were going to win, so I needed to be there to see it. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. But I was happy that I went to watch them live.”
Fast forward to the present, and Henderson is back in action for England. He made an appearance off the bench in Tuchel’s first game in charge, a 2-0 victory over Albania, marking a positive start to their World Cup qualifying campaign. England’s next challenge is against Latvia, a match that fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating.
- Jordan Henderson drove to Germany in a van to watch England in the Euro 2024 final.
- He was not called up for the tournament but wanted to support his team.
- England lost the final 2-1 to Spain, with a late goal from Mikel Oyarzabal.
- Henderson has returned to the England squad under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
- He played in England’s 2-0 win over Albania in a World Cup qualifier.
Henderson’s journey is a reminder of the lengths players will go to support their teams, even when they are not on the pitch. His story resonates with fans who understand the passion and commitment that comes with being part of the football community. As England continues its World Cup qualifying campaign, supporters will be hoping for more positive results and perhaps more stories of dedication like Henderson’s.
Originally Written by: ESPN
