Gary Lineker has claimed Thomas Tuchel's decision to pick Jordan Henderson for England duty is 'an odd one' as Friday night's World Cup qualifying match against Albania creeps closer.
The start of a new era will take place at Wembley, with Tuchel leading the team for the first time since his appointment back in October.
The German brings nous and experience to the role, having won silverware with Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund throughout his career.
Yet he's raised some eyebrows already by recalling Henderson at the age of 34.
Gary Lineker has claimed Thomas Tuchel's decision to pick Jordan Henderson for England duty is 'an odd one' as Friday night's World Cup qualifying match against Albania creeps closer
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At the peak of his powers, the midfielder skippered Liverpool to major trophies such as the Premier League and Champions League.
However, some feel he's on the wane having spent time in Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands over the past 18 months or so.
Lineker, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, believes Tuchel's decision is 'odd' - but acknowledges the experience that Henderson brings.
"It's an odd one. I feel a little bit bad for Jordan because it's very important to say that he's played many really great games for England," he said.
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"He's had a fabulous career. And because of circumstances – moving to Saudi, didn't happen there... he [Tuchel] has kind of reopened that can of worms for Jordan.
"You don't want him to end up as a player who's disrespected. That'll be a real shame.
"But there's a perception that it's almost semi-retirement when you move to a league like Saudi Arabia's league... so I think that possibly [explains the criticism].
"But I think it'll be a great shame. He's a really good guy to have around, and that's probably why Thomas Tuchel has put him in, because he's obviously very popular, I'd imagine, amongst the players."
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Jordan Henderson is back in the England fold ahead of Friday night's match with Albania
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Also appearing on the podcast was Micah Richards.
He questioned whether picking Henderson was wise given his age and that young players would perhaps benefit instead, with the World Cup due to take place next year.
"That's all well and good but is he going to be available for the World Cup?
If someone else is going to be in that position around that time... it's like, are you going to get Henderson in the same shape as he is now? I just think it's an opportunity to get a young player a bit of experience."
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England have never failed to qualify for the World Cup.
They reached the quarter-finals of the last one in 2022, with France sending them out with a 2-1 victory.
Tuchel comes with a big reputation given everything he's won during his time as a manager.
England beat Albania 5-0 in their last meeting back in 2021 with Harry Kane scoring a hat-trick
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England last faced Albania back in 2021 when Gareth Southgate was manager.
Harry Maguire opened the scoring in the ninth minute, with Harry Kane netting a treble and Henderson also on target.
A similar result would boost Tuchel and give him a dream start to life in his new role.
