Jordan Henderson of England (Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
Jordan Henderson has spoken out after sustaining an injury that is set to sideline him for the remainder of the World Cup. The England international was caught up in a freak incident following the final whistle as Thomas Tuchel’s side celebrated their 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
The 36-year-old suffered a severely broken wrist after tumbling awkwardly while trying to scale advertising hoardings to join celebrating supporters. He was stretchered from the stadium, required oxygen and was taken to hospital for urgent treatment while his team-mates returned to Kansas City. It was confirmed on Monday that the experienced midfielder will require surgery and will consequently miss the remainder of the World Cup.
The tournament is widely expected to be Henderson’s international swansong, meaning this could prove his final appearance in an England shirt. Yet the Brentford star refused to allow the setback to dampen his mood as he delivered his first statement since the injury.
Posting on social media, Henderson chose to reflect on the occasion in Mexico City rather than dwell on the seriousness of his condition.
“A night to remember that’s for sure! What an incredible performance against all the different challenges,” Henderson wrote on Instagram. “So proud to be a part of this special team [emojis]. Thanks for all the support, another big one Saturday.”
His England team-mates were swift to show their support. Vice-captain Declan Rice commented: “Some man,” while Morgan Rogers replied: “What a guy.” Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence also expressed their affection with ‘heart’ emojis for the stricken midfielder.
Henderson is eager to remain with the squad to lend his backing and has maintained regular contact with his fellow players. England defender Guehi offered an update on Henderson’s frame of mind following the devastating setback.
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England’s Jordan Henderson suffered an injury against Mexico (Image: Getty Images)
Guehi told the FA’s Lions’ Den show: “Hendo’s good, man. Hendo’s in a better place than he was yesterday, and it was obviously scary for him and his family and for everyone else, but we’re just glad that he’s on the road to speedy recovery.”
Henderson, who earned his 90th cap for England when he came off the bench against Panama in the Group stage, is the only England men’s player to have appeared at four World Cup tournaments. Tuchel chose to include him for his experience and leadership qualities in the dressing room, despite widespread criticism of the decision.
Whether Henderson will rejoin the squad ahead of their quarter-final clash against Norway on Saturday remains uncertain. However, speaking about his inclusion back in June, Henderson made clear he would be ready to support his teammates both on and off the pitch, regardless of circumstances.
Jordan Henderson of England speaks at a press conference (Image: Getty)
“It’s the same as always, to be the best version of myself, to be ready to help the team on and off the pitch and give absolutely everything to help this team be successful,” Henderson said in June.
“The last few years has been a bit of a roller coaster, to say the least, but I’ve worked very hard to be in this position and made a lot of sacrifices, and I’m just very grateful and honoured to be here.
“It’s about giving absolutely everything to make the nation back home very proud of us and to do that, we need to just be ourselves.”