England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has lauded the recall of Jordan Henderson to the national squad as a significant boost, emphasizing the midfielder's winning mentality and leadership qualities. Henderson, currently playing for Ajax, has been summoned by new manager Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, marking his return to the squad since November 2023.

Pickford, who shares a long history with Henderson, having played together at Sunderland and represented England in major tournaments like the 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020, and the 2022 World Cup, believes Henderson's presence will be invaluable. Tuchel has praised the former Liverpool captain for embodying the values he seeks to instill in the team.

Pickford also highlighted the inclusion of Newcastle defender Dan Burn, noting the importance of experienced leaders in the squad as they aim for success in the 2026 World Cup. England has been close to major titles in recent years, and Pickford believes the addition of leaders like Henderson can provide the extra edge needed to lift the trophy.

Henderson's move to Ajax in January 2024 followed a brief stint with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. Pickford emphasized Henderson's intrinsic desire to win, shaped by his achievements as a player and captain at Liverpool. Henderson's leadership extends beyond his on-field contributions, influencing training standards and fostering a positive team environment.

Reflecting on England's Euro 2024 final loss to Spain under previous manager Gareth Southgate, Pickford acknowledged the difficulty in assessing whether Henderson's presence could have altered the outcome. Nevertheless, he emphasized Henderson's respect among players and staff, viewing his inclusion as a positive step. Pickford underscored the value of having experienced leaders in the squad, regardless of their playing time, to drive standards and provide guidance.