Henry: England’s left-back predicament motivates me to come back stronger for Brentford | OneFootball

Having not played since injuring his ACL against Newcastle United in September 2023, Brentford defender Rico Henry is ready to begin pre-season training and “can’t wait” to be back playing for the Bees ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

And the left-back admitted that the chance to play for England at the World Cup in two years - as well as the Three Lions’ current left-back predicament at Euro 2024 - is another factor motivating him to come back stronger than ever next term.

“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,” said Henry.

“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.”

Henry added: “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.

“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 in to the quarter-finals.

“I’ve spoken to Ivan [Toney] and he’s buzzing off his performance in the last-16 against Slovenia. When he got the assist, I jumped up and was shouting at the TV! It was a really nice moment.”

That aforementioned ACL injury has kept Henry out for almost a year, during which time he has struggled both physically and mentally, as he battled with the knee problem.

But, thanks to incredible work from the medical team, and from Henry himself, the defender is ready to go again ahead of the west Londoners’ first pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon on 20 July.

Asked about when he first suffered the injury, Henry recalled: “I was disappointed, I was devastated. It was a really hard one to take.

“I knew straight away that I’d done something. I could feel that my team-mates were worried about me, obviously because of my previous injury.

“And when I was walking off, I was just praying that it wasn’t my ACL - but it turned out it was.

“It’s been really difficult but, now, I’m just looking forward to getting back playing. For the pre-season friendlies, it’ll probably be the medical team’s job to hold me back!

“When I play, I play 100 per cent. Sometimes they will tell me to run at 70 per cent, but I can’t do that, I just want to run at 100 and give my all!

“But I can’t wait to hear the fans at the Gtech, feeling that atmosphere, getting that buzz again - it’s the best feeling.”