Who is Jordan Henderson? England midfielder's Wearside story

With England’s second Euro match fast approaching, we take a look at the life of midfielder Jordan Henderson and his Sunderland roots.
By Poppy Kennedy
Published 17th Jun 2021, 15:17 BST
Updated 18th Jun 2021, 12:41 BST
Jordan Henderson during his time at Sunderland AFCJordan Henderson during his time at Sunderland AFC
Jordan Henderson during his time at Sunderland AFC

Gareth Southgate’s England squad is preparing for their second group match against Scotland on Sunday, June 13, with two Sunderland lads Jordan Henderson and shot-stopper Jordan Pickford making the squad.

Henderson, 30, has been injured with a groin issue and has played just 45 minutes since February - in England’s 1-0 friendly win over Romania this month.

Who is Jordan Henderson?

England's Jordan Henderson. Picture by Nick Potts/PA Wire.England's Jordan Henderson. Picture by Nick Potts/PA Wire.
England's Jordan Henderson. Picture by Nick Potts/PA Wire.
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The 30-year-old was born in Sunderland and grew up in Herrington and attended Farringdon School – which also boasts England cricketer Scott Borthwick and Olympic boxer Tony Jeffries among its former pupils.

At the age of eight, he joined Sunderland’s youth system and went on to sign a professional contract with the club in July 2008.

The midfielder rose through the ranks and went on to win the Sunderland Young Player of the Year award for two seasons running.

In the summer of 2011, Henderson moved to Liverpool for an undisclosed sum – believed to be around £20million – and during a glittering decade at the Merseyside club he has won the League Cup, Champions League, European Super Cup, Club World Cup, and Premier League.

Jordan Henderson pictured after he scored his first goal against Wigan AthleticJordan Henderson pictured after he scored his first goal against Wigan Athletic
Jordan Henderson pictured after he scored his first goal against Wigan Athletic
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Henderson, who turned 31 this week, has also made almost 60 appearances for England.

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What has he done for Sunderland?

Despite being a household name across the country, Henderson has never forgotten his Sunderland roots.

England's Jude Bellingham (left) and Jordan Henderson shake hands at the end of the international friendly match at Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough. Picture by Nick Potts/PA Wire.England's Jude Bellingham (left) and Jordan Henderson shake hands at the end of the international friendly match at Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough. Picture by Nick Potts/PA Wire.
England's Jude Bellingham (left) and Jordan Henderson shake hands at the end of the international friendly match at Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough. Picture by Nick Potts/PA Wire.

Over the years he’s supported many good causes, donating money and memorabilia like a pair of his signed boots to help buy a wheelchair for inspiring little girl with spina bifida.

In 2019, the City Council agreed that Jordan should at a future date be conferred with a Freedom of the City. The freedom was proposed as he has been an ambassador for the city, the North East, for football and as a strong role model for young people.

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Other recent achievements include runner up of the 2020 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

He has also just been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours not only for his achievements on the pitch but in recognition of his part in forming charitable fund, Players Together, which supported NHS good causes during the first coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

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Related topics:Jordan HendersonSunderlandEnglandJordan PickfordGareth Southgate