Jordan Henderson’s Unforgettable Journey to the Euro 2024 Final
In a tale that seems almost too surreal to be true, England’s seasoned midfielder, Jordan Henderson, found himself on an unexpected road trip to Germany. This wasn’t just any road trip, but a journey to witness the European Championship final, a match he had hoped to play in but instead watched from the stands. Henderson’s story is a testament to his dedication to the team, even when not on the pitch.
Henderson, who has been a stalwart for England with 82 caps, was notably absent from the squad during Euro 2024. Under the management of Gareth Southgate, he found himself sidelined, missing out on the tournament. However, with the arrival of new boss Thomas Tuchel, Henderson has made his return to the England setup, a move that has been welcomed by fans and pundits alike.
Reflecting on his absence from the tournament, Henderson shared a unique experience with reporters. As England prepared to face Spain in the final, Henderson was not in the locker room but rather on the road. “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.”
Imagine the scene: a professional footballer, accustomed to the luxury of team buses and chartered flights, now navigating the highways of Europe in a van with his family. It’s a story that resonates with the everyman, a reminder that even top athletes can find themselves in ordinary situations.
The journey, however, ended in heartbreak for England. Despite a valiant effort, they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a late goal to seal Spain’s victory. For Henderson, watching from the stands was a bittersweet experience. “When we needed the toilet or something, or popping in the garages, it was quite funny to see some of the fans,” he recounted. “Actually, it was quite nice to be with them. Obviously I would have rather been with the team.”
Despite the disappointment, Henderson cherished the opportunity to support 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 his return in Tuchel’s first game in charge, coming off the bench in a 2-0 victory over Albania. It was a promising start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, and Henderson’s presence was a reassuring sight for fans.
Looking ahead, England is set to face Latvia on Monday, and with Henderson back in the fold, there’s a renewed sense of optimism. His journey from the van to the pitch is a testament to his resilience and passion for the game.
- Jordan Henderson drove to Germany in a van to watch England in the Euro 2024 final.
- He was omitted from the squad under Gareth Southgate but has returned under Thomas Tuchel.
- England lost the final 2-1 to Spain, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring the decisive goal.
- Henderson returned to the England team in a 2-0 win over Albania.
- England’s next match is against Latvia.
Henderson’s story is one of dedication and love for the game, a reminder that sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination.
Originally Written by: ESPN
