Jude Bellingham makes feelings clear on ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson with public message

Jordan Henderson was a surprise omission from Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2024. The former Liverpool skipper didn't even make the provisional cut for England, despite having long been a favorite of the manager — but he has now received a public message from Jude Bellingham.

The rise of Bellingham has of course played a part in Henderson being sidelined at international level, while his former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold is occupying another of the midfield berths. But the 34-year-old probably also inadvertently sabotaged his own prospects, moving to Saudi Arabia last summer before switching to a struggling Ajax side after six months.

Even so, most assumed he would make the England squad, having been a regular feature until the final pre-tournament camp. Instead, Henderson finds himself preparing for his first full campaign with Ajax, a situation he simply cannot have envisaged when he packed his bags and left Liverpool a year ago.

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Still, characteristically, Henderson is approaching his new circumstances with full commitment. He has reported back for Ajax duty earlier than expected, posting a photo to Instagram showing that he is back in action.

"Back at it," was the caption, accompanied by a muscle emoji. And among those to leave a comment was Bellingham.

Currently away with England, scoring the winner in the first group game, Bellingham nonetheless found the time to send a public message to Henderson. "My brother," he commented, showing his support to his erstwhile international colleague.

Adam Lallana recently remarked on the bond Bellingham and Henderson had built up on national duty. He called it a 'striking' relationship, with the former Liverpool captain holding something of a mentor's role for the young superstar.

Henderson took missing out on a Euro 2024 spot in his stride, sending a classy message: "Congrats to all the lads who made the squad! Good luck and bring it home boys!"

Liverpool.com says: It's clear that Bellingham has a huge amount of respect for Henderson. While the majority of onlookers would have had major questions if the ex Liverpool captain had made Southgate's squad, it's apparent that plenty of the England players would have completely supported the decision.

Meanwhile, from a Liverpool perspective, it continues to be a little bit gutting that a transfer for Bellingham never materialized. It would have been hugely out of character to sign a player who is already such a massive star, but between Henderson and Alexander-Arnold, the Reds had some strong advocates in their corner.