Jordan Henderson’s influence on the England team, and Bellingham in particular, was visible to everyone in Qatar.
How was everything?
If there’s one thing they’ve already learned about the Red Captain, it’s that it’s pretty stupid to write him off. Jordan Henderson has spent a lifetime proving his doubters wrong and the midfielder is back on him in recent weeks, quietly moving into England’s midfield and loudly placing himself at the heart of their World Cup hopes in Qatar. Starting the tournament on the bench, Jordan Henderson quickly became unresolvable for Southgate.
A long-lasting cameo off the bench against the US was followed by influential performances against Wales and then Senegal, where the midfielder scored the opening goal and while Sterling is available again after his dash at home due to family reasons, Jordan will almost certainly start Saturday’s quarter-final with France at the Al Bayte Stadium. There is a certain symmetry here.
The first of 73 English midfield caps came up against the French, and look back on the 12 years since that Wembley night of Crouch, Valbuena and Benzema – and how’s that for an unlikely three-player? – were on the scoreboard and when the England squad included the likes of Jay Bothroyd, Scott Loach and Carlton Cole should witness the rise of a player and a man who will one day be remembered as one of the best this country has ever produced.
A little about Jordan Henderson
At 32 years old, Jordan is without question one of the most established and successful leaders in the sport. Jordan Henderson has captained the Reds to the biggest games and to the biggest prizes, consistently appearing at the Premier League’s blunt end for over a decade while off the pitch becoming a respected and empathetic voice supporting causes such as fighting online bullying. , local and national food banks and the National Health Service.
On the pitch, Henderson closes in 650 competitive games for club and country, and in Qatar he became only the fourth England player to appear in six major tournaments. What the rest of Gerrard, Rooney and Campbell tell them a lot about the levels Jordan has reached and then been able to maintain. Immaculate, was Steven Gerrard’s assessment of his former team mate and the player who succeeded him as Reds skipper. Bellingham, who could very well join Jordan Anfield next season, has been just as effusive.
Jude Bellingham said after England’s last 16 victory over Senegal that he saw some rubbish being said about him and it’s ridiculous. According to Bellingham, Jordan Henderson is so technically underrated. It’s time to praise the player. Jordan and Jude, in a development that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Reds supporters, have forged a close bond since the latter was quickly promoted to the England squad. The pair’s celebration after Jordan’s goal against Senegal, assisted by Jude, could very well be one of the iconic images of this World Cup, especially if England is ultimately successful.
When, as a midfield player, your list of fans includes not only Steven and Jude, but also former Irish player Roy Keane, it’s safe to say they’re doing well, and it’s clear that younger, and possibly laudable, England talents are watching. on Jordan. Tottenham striker Harry Kane is the captain, and a leader in his own right in terms of his goal scoring and consistency, but Jordan is clearly the statesman of this squad, one player being the sharpest to learn from and impress.