John Terry has accused the Football Association of carrying out a “PR job” after Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers publicly praised Jordan Henderson following his controversial inclusion in England’s World Cup squad.
The former England captain questioned the timing of comments made by Bellingham and Rogers on England’s Lions Den podcast, suggesting it was unusual for current players to discuss Henderson’s selection so prominently.
Thomas Tuchel’s decision to include the experienced midfielder in his 26-man squad sparked debate after players including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Adam Wharton and Morgan Gibbs-White were left out.
Henderson, who could feature at his fourth World Cup, nevertheless appears to remain a popular figure within the England camp.
Speaking on the Lions Den podcast, Bellingham said: “Don’t get us started on Hendo, we could talk about him for hours.
“He’s so funny, the funniest guy in camp. He gets everyone laughing, and he gets everyone together.”
Terry, who earned 78 caps for England between 2003 and 2012, was unconvinced by the release of the interview.
Appearing on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the former Chelsea defender said: “I don’t think it’s for them to talk about, but I felt like the FA were kind of addressing something that everyone’s been talking about.
John Terry has accused the Football Association of carrying out a “PR job” after Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers publicly praised Jordan Henderson following his controversial inclusion in England’s World Cup squad
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Jordan Henderson is poised to represent England at a fourth World Cup
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“It was a bit weird.”
Despite questioning the circumstances surrounding the interview, Terry was keen to stress that he supports Henderson’s inclusion.
“I’ve got Jordan Henderson’s back on this 100 per cent,” he said.
“I don’t know Jordan too well, but from what I see from him, he’s a top, top player.
England’s record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWS
“Is he going to start? No, he’s not.
“But I feel he plays a big part in this World Cup for us late in games with the experience he’s got.”
Terry also admitted he was disappointed by Tuchel’s decision to omit Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw from the squad.
“I was disappointed in the decision to leave out two experienced players, Maguire and Shaw,” he added.
“You look at John Stones coming in. He will put pressure on Tuchel because of how well he plays, and possibly now Stones starts.
“But there are other players in this group and I’m not sure whether they do that.
“Jordan Henderson is 100 per cent that player for us.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were both left out of the England squad
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“He’s brave, he’ll come on for the last 15 or 20 minutes. I think he’s got a big role to play.”
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington on Wednesday evening.
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are expected to start in midfield, with either Bellingham or Rogers likely to operate in the No 10 role behind captain Harry Kane.
The Three Lions then face Ghana and Panama as they look to secure their place in the knockout stages.
