Jordan Henderson acknowledged the hostile reception he received from Everton fans after Chelsea’s 2-0 victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium but appeared unfazed by the reaction. The former Liverpool captain played a key role in ending Everton’s unbeaten run this season, scoring both goals for Chelsea in the win on Saturday.

Henderson’s transfer to Chelsea earlier this summer prompted some speculation that he would primarily serve as a mentor for younger players. However, his recent performances suggest he remains a significant contributor on the field. At 36, Henderson also expressed a strong desire to continue representing England at the international level, despite a prolonged absence following an injury sustained at the 2026 World Cup.

He last wore the England shirt during the tournament’s Round of 16 victory over Panama but broke his arm after an on-field incident during the celebrations. The injury sidelined him for an extended period, and he has not been part of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England call-ups. Henderson confirmed he has not received direct communication from England’s manager regarding his exclusion but has maintained contact with the coaching staff.

“I will always have the desire to play for England,” Henderson said after the Chelsea win, which was observed by England assistant coach Anthony Barry. “I still feel like I can play at the highest level but, first and foremost, I have to do a job at Chelsea and put in good performances and wait and see.”

The England squad has seen the rise of players like Alex Scott, who started in the recent Nations League Croatia match, further complicating Henderson’s chances of a recall. The midfielder will miss upcoming Nations League fixtures against Bosnia and Spain due to injury, while others such as Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are expected to feature. Tuchel’s available midfield options also include younger players Kobbie Mainoo and James Garner.

Despite this, Henderson’s solid performances for Chelsea, including a strong midfield partnership with Moisés Caicedo, have bolstered the team’s defensive stability under manager Xabi Alonso. His leadership was evident in his handling of on-pitch confrontations, intervening to defuse tensions between his teammates during the match.

Chelsea’s acquisition of Henderson on a free transfer from Brentford was partly driven by his experience and ability to set standards within the squad. While some may view his role as primarily supportive, Henderson emphasized the mutual benefits of playing alongside younger teammates.

“Maybe that was the thought process, but I never felt that from Chelsea,” he said. “From the minute that I spoke to them, the manager, and the club, I still felt like they wanted me to help on the field... I just try to be myself, really. I have just as important a role as every other player on the team.”

He added that the dynamic between experienced and younger players is reciprocal, helping him continue to learn and improve. Expressing satisfaction with his current situation, Henderson said, “I’m loving it at the minute. It helps when you’re playing with top players and I feel like the team’s really coming together in terms of spirit and togetherness.”

As Chelsea demonstrated their ability to secure a clean sheet away from home for the first time since November 2025, Henderson’s contributions underscore his ongoing relevance at both club and potentially international level.