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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Marcus Banks

'Does he do card tricks?' - Roy Keane slams England decision over Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson

Roy Keane has slammed Gareth Southgate's decision to include Jordan Henderson in his England Euro 2020 squad.

Henderson hasn't played a competitive fixture since being substituted with injury in February during Liverpool's 2-0 defeat against rivals Everton.

The Liverpool captain was an unused substitute in the Reds' final game of the season against Crystal Palace and linked up with the England squad before Southgate officially announced his 26-man squad.

Henderson missed out on the win against Austria after complaining of some discomfort before the game and started the match against Romania on the bench.

Keane believes the decision to include Henderson in the squad was a mistake and questioned those who claim the 30-year-old should have travelled even if he's injured.

"I was convinced Jordan was going to play the other day," he told ITV . "I think it's a huge distraction - he's clearly not fit.

"I don't think he should be involved. If he can't start against Romania, he's not fit.

"Physically and mentally, this game won't be that tough for him to deal with, he's an experienced player.

"He's not kicked a ball for three and a half months and he's going to European Championship? He can't be right."

Keane continued: "I've heard a lot of people say they want him around the place. For what?

"Does he do card tricks? Does he have a sing-song? Does he do quizzes in the evening? What does he do?

"Liverpool won't be happy either.

"Surely Jordan doesn't want to be around the place being some sort of cheerleader, you want to play and clearly he's nowhere near it."

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