One of Gareth Southgate's former coaches has explained why Jordan Henderson was not included in the England squad for Euro 2024.

The veteran midfielder has been called up by Thomas Tuchel for this month's fixtures against Albania and Latvia, marking his first involvement with the England camp in 16 months.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who was on Southgate's coaching team, said the decision to leave Henderson at home was a particularly difficult one given his role as a leader in the group.

"I must say, that was a very difficult decision when he wasn’t selected not least because of how important he was in the squad," Hasselbaink told Gambling Zone before explaining the main reason why Henderson was overlooked.

Liverpool team news hint dropped as Darwin Nunez sends Everton message	Has Mohamed Salah dropped new Liverpool contract hint ahead of Merseyside Derby?	David Ornstein has just dropped morsel of transfer news which should really interest Liverpool fans - opinion

"I think the main thing was that it was felt his fitness had declined.

But that was a very, difficult decision and he’s a player that not only myself but everyone involved in the England set up who worked with him, has the highest respect for.

"He is at Ajax playing week in, week out and I can absolutely understand why Tuchel has taken him back into the fold.

He’s been around the England set up for almost 15 years and I’m sure his experience will be something Tuchel is tapping into."

Henderson will be hoping to justify his England recall by proving that his fitness levels are still up to scratch this international break.

He is the glue in every team where he played and he will be the glue that makes things special.

"When I talk to players, I talk to staff, I talk to people in the federation, his name came up permanently.