Gareth Southgate explains Jordan Henderson's England absence

England boss Gareth Southgate has suggested that Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson will benefit from a summer break, rather than being included in the nation's UEFA Nations League fixtures.

The 31-year-old was a surprise absentee from the Three Lions squad which was announced on Thursday ahead of games with against Hungary, Italy and Germany.

However, rather than the player being excluded for performance-related reasons, Southgate has said that he simply wanted to hand a rest to the established international player after an exhausting season.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Southgate said: "This is also a chance to see a bit more of some players. The decision around Jordan Henderson, who's has 60-plus games this season, is going into a Champions League final, and is 32-years-old, I don't need to know any more about him.

"Everyone else has a week off now while Henderson and Trent [Alexander-Arnold] are still going. Trent will probably be with us for the first part of the camp and then we think that will be enough for him."

Henderson has made a total of 42 starts and 14 substitute appearances in all competitions this campaign, with a further five outings coming for England.