Jordan Henderson hits out at England critics as Thomas Tuchel backs him up

Jordan Henderson has hit back at suggestions that he is only in the England squad to serve as a "cheerleader." England manager Thomas Tuchel sparked controversy by bringing back the 35-year-old midfielder into his very first squad - and has continued to select him since. However, this has led to claims that he is merely included in the England set-up due to his positive influence in the dressing room rather than his on-field contributions.

But Henderson, who has returned to the Premier League with Brentford, maintains he has earned his place on ability and has also targeted a spot at next summer's World Cup. The former Liverpool captain declared: "I don't think I need to address it, to be fair. I have shown what I can do for England over the years. I am still playing at a high level.

"Outside, people can think what they want. Media or whoever. The most important people are the manager, the coaching staff and the players and what they think.

"Ask them, what they think, if I am a cheerleader when I am here. I don't think one of the best managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that.

"I am here to perform, whether that is in training every day, whether that is when I am on the pitch. My main job is to be performing for the team and helping the team. All the other stuff is just to be myself."

Henderson's career suffered a significant setback when he departed Liverpool for the Saudi Pro League before moving to Ajax six months later in an attempt to regain his position for the Euros. Despite missing out on the Euros, Henderson still harbours ambitions to represent England in next summer's World Cup when he will be 36.

He concedes that with the benefit of hindsight, he might have made different decisions, but doesn't believe this cost him a place at the Euros.

He elaborated: "When I was in Saudi I think I was in every camp prior to the Euros. So I don't think it was a reason. Timing. . . In hindsight, maybe I would have made different decisions.

"But at the time that is how I felt and the decision I made was for many different reasons and only I know the reasons and in the end, I tried to do the right thing.

"Obviously, I want to play for England for as long as I can. And coming back, was it in the back of my mind? Possibly, but I was also in the England squad when I was at Ajax, so I knew I could still play at Ajax and be in the England squad and be ready at a good enough level.

"I suppose it was more of a decision for me to be back in the Premier League. I missed the atmospheres, the environment, for me it's the best League so to have the opportunity to come back was the reason I did it."