Brentford left-back Rico Henry admits he is ‘frustrated’ watching England after missing out on a place in their Euro 2024 squad.
Gareth Southgate, who admitted before the tournament that he took a ‘calculated risk’ with Luke Shaw’s fitness, has faced criticism over his decision to include only one natural left-back in his England squad.
Kieran Trippier has deputised in Shaw’s absence but England have struggled for fluidity on their left side throughout Euro 2024.
Shaw, who has been sidelined since February with a hamstring injury, made his return as a late substitute in England’s penalty shootout win over Switzerland on Saturday and is now in contention to start for the semi-final tie against the Netherlands on Wednesday evening.
Henry, meanwhile, made just five appearances last season after requiring surgery in September for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The 27-year-old, who has not been capped by England, is ready to return during Brentford’s pre-season campaign but concedes he has struggled to follow the national side this summer as he would have been in contention for a place in Southgate’s squad.
‘It’s been difficult watching England at Euro 2024 playing without an out-and-out left-back because I know I could do a job there,’ Henry said.
‘Luke Shaw has been struggling with an injury and we haven’t got any other left-footed full-backs in the squad. And, when I’ve watched them this summer, I just feel like I could fit so well into that team.
‘It has been frustrating not being there but it’s also been great to watch, seeing them doing well and getting into the quarter-finals.’
Henry says he is now targeting a place in England’s squad for the World Cup in 2026.
‘One thing that really motivated me was looking forward to the World Cup in 2026 – there’s always a chance. I’m still so determined to get into the England team,’ Henry said.
‘It would be a dream come true. I played for some of the youth teams, but getting a senior cap is one of my main goals. That’s what everyone plays football for: to feature for your country.
‘I know I had a chance before I got injured, but people reminding me that I can still do it really encourages me. I just need to come back, stay fit and play well.’