Micah Richards has named Jordan Henderson as the England star he would have ‘sacrificed’ to make room for Phil Foden or Cole Palmer in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
England are just days away from their Group L opener against Croatia as they seek to end 60 years of hurt this summer.
Thomas Tuchel has assembled a squad he hopes can finally deliver on the biggest stage, leaving some notable names back home including Foden, Palmer and Harry Maguire.
Foden has been a fixture in previous England squads with Palmer coming off the bench to score in the ill-fated Euro 2024 final against Spain. Maguire finished the 2025-26 season strongly with Manchester United with the centre-half not hiding his disappointment over his omission.
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Brentford midfielder Henderson was selected for what will be his seventh major international tournament, surpassing the likes of Wayne Rooney and Sol Campbell to set a new record.
While the 35-year-old offers a wealth of experience, his inclusion was one of the decisions questioned with Bournemouth star Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton among the younger midfield options also left out.
Former England defender Richards has full faith in Tuchel, admiring his bold approach when faced with big calls. But with so much talent left at home, he named the former Liverpool star as the man who should have perhaps made way for someone who carries more of a threat.
‘Henderson is playing in his seventh major competition which is amazing,’ Richards told Metro.
‘But I would have maybe sacrificed that for an Alex Scott, a Foden, a Palmer, someone who might not get the minutes they expect but come alive in those big moments in games where it can all change.
‘I would have taken Foden or Palmer, one or both of them, 100 per cent. Just because they can change the game. But the starting XI is as good as most in the competition. So I’m quietly confident.’
Maguire’s omission also puzzled Richards with Marc Guehi, John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah selected ahead of him.
‘Defensive set pieces and attacking set pieces are going to be so important,’ Richards said. ‘And because of the temperature, the tempo is going to be a bit slower. Harry Maguire has never let England down so I was surprised by that one.
‘Foden could come on and change a game even if he hasn’t done it for England like we expect for him. Those players have something special. But I love Tuchel for making his decision and sticking to it. He doesn’t care about the noise.’
Micah Richards has teamed up with meat snack brand Peperami for its Be Bold. Be Meaty campaign. He is fronting a major social-first content series set to air during the World Cup, as well as supporting the launch of the new Peperami x Doritos BBQ Sweet Tang limited edition range.
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