Henry ‘needs to be even more consistent’ to get England call-up

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Brentford boss Thomas Frank believes left-back Rico Henry needs to perform at the top of his game more consistently in order to be considered for an England call-up.

England manager Gareth Southgate opted not to select Henry for the squad to face Italy and Germany in the Nations League later this month.

Bees striker Ivan Toney has been handed a first call-up, however, with Frank hailing the decision as an “unbelievable moment” for the club.


But in order to emulate Toney, Frank believes Henry needs to show that he can consistently perform at a top level.

“I think Rico has done well,” Frank said.

“I think in the game against Crystal Palace, Rico was ‘wow’. But these ‘wow’ moments need to be even more consistent.

“I think, in general, he is performing at a good level, but he needs to take that six or seven out of 10 every game to a seven or eight out of 10 average throughout the season before I think he can maybe get his foot in the door and hopefully get a call-up.

“I looked at the squad. He (Southgate) named (Ben) Chilwell and (Luke) Shaw – two very good players. I know they are not starting every game now for their respective clubs, but there is a World Cup just around the corner.

“If I put myself in Gareth’s place, if they are key players and they’ve been with the squad for a long time then that matters something as well.”