It remains unclear whether Jude Bellingham will be in England’s starting XI against Croatia on Wednesday, but there is no doubt that Jordan Henderson will have an impact during the World Cup.
Jordan Henderson reveals his feelings (Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Jordan Henderson says Jude Bellingham will provide the “X-factor” to help England win the World Cup. Former Liverpool captain Henderson insists Bellingham is “really special” and a “big player” who will represent England this summer.
Real Madrid superstars Bellingham and Henderson are close friends on and off the pitch, and there is great mutual respect between them. “I’m sure he’ll have a big impact for us in this competition,” said Three Lions midfielder Henderson, who will turn 37 when England take on Croatia on Wednesday.
“For me, he’s someone I remember from five years ago. I gave him his first cap away against Middlesbrough and it’s just incredible how much he’s grown as a player and as a person since then.”
“The first time I saw him play and train and watch him, I had a good idea. But what he’s accomplished so far at such a young age, I think everyone forgets how young he is, even I really forget sometimes.”
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“We’re playing Rondo, and there are guys who think he’s the youngest and should go in before him, but he’s always one of the first to go in the middle. It reminds us how young he is.”
“Honestly, I couldn’t speak highly enough of him. I know there’s a lot written in the media, but sometimes I find it hard to read, because I just know how much of an impact he has on this team and what a good teammate he is off the field.”
“And what he gives us is really special. He really gives our team an X-factor. He’s had big moments in his career, he’s a big-time player, he’s got tournament experience, so he’s a huge player for us in this tournament.”
“And if you ask any of the players in the group, they’ll tell you how good a teammate he is, how well he trains. I know he’s young, but he’ll say in his head that he’s very mature. He’s helping the young players, the new players coming in.”
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Jude Bellingham is not guaranteed a starter as in previous competitions (Image: Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
“How he was in pre-camp with Rio Ngmoha, Josh King, Alex Scott, Ethan Nwaneri, how he was with those players, nobody saw it, but they all respect him. After the game, he gave Rio his first cap, but that gives you a little bit of a sense of what he’s like behind the scenes.”
“Honestly, I don’t think a lot of the media and everything that’s been written is true. Or a lot of it isn’t actually true. But we all know what he’s capable of and how much everyone loves him within camp, and I think that’s the important thing.”
Henderson said even though there is a rivalry between Bellingham and Morgan Rogers as to who starts, both will have a role to play in this tournament. “They’re two top players and we don’t want to play against them,” Henderson explained.
“They’re very capable on the ball, they’re very good off the ball, they’re physical and athletic, they’re good scorers, so they have everything in their locker to create big moments for us as a team,” Henderson said.
“The good thing is that they are very close. They have known each other since they were young and I’m sure they will support each other 100 percent like everyone else throughout this tournament. They both have a big, big role to play in this tournament.”
Jude Bellingham and Jordan Henderson have strengthened their ties with England (Image: Stefan Matzke – sampics/Corbis via Getty Images)
Henderson was brought on by manager Thomas Tuchel in a bid to maintain a happy and balanced squad, but the Brentford midfielder said it was a joint responsibility. He added: “Obviously it’s important to make sure there’s a good culture and environment off the pitch, but I think it’s not just one person’s problem, it’s everyone who has a role to play in it.”
“Especially for a team heading into a tournament, it’s a big thing to be very good teammates, whether you’re playing, playing or not, and creating an environment and a culture to continue to push and support each other at the right times.
“We’ve done really well since he took over and we’ve gotten even stronger and I’m pretty happy with where we are at the moment, especially after pre-camp. The players have been great the last two weeks and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”
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