England are in the World Cup quarter-finals, but Jordan Henderson suffered a worrying moment after playing the full game after sustaining an apparent arm injury during the celebrations.
Jordan Henderson suffers unusual injury after playing full-time (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
This was one of England’s greatest nights ever. No matter what happens in the future, this extraordinary victory will be remembered and respected for decades to come.
The magnitude of such a shocking and gut-wrenching victory should not be underestimated and what it means for England’s tournament prospects heading into the quarter-final against Norway in Miami.
What happened on the pitch was monumental, but equally what happened off the pitch showed why England have something that truly sets them apart from other World Cup nations: something magical.
There is an undeniable, unbreakable sense of brotherhood among Thomas Tuchel’s side, and England left no one behind when Jordan Henderson injured his arm tripping over an advertising sign during the post-match celebrations.
The party-like atmosphere was abruptly cut short and the team huddled around Henderson, waiting patiently for professional medical help.
What happened will not only sting for all of England’s star players, but will provide further motivation if their worst fears come true and Henderson’s tournament is over.
Henderson is like the father figure that keeps this dressing room together. He is an older, experienced manager who keeps an eye on two-goal heroes Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rodgers and keeps them in check.
It would be a huge, huge blow if he is unable to play a role or even be present in England’s camp for the remainder of the World Cup.
Not because he starts so often, but because he is so important to the team’s harmony. The team’s overall response to this incident was eloquent and a testament to the team’s fortitude.
Some might say it’s basic human decency, but after overcoming all the challenges and hurdles thrown at them, England tonight showed a maturity not seen in decades. Maybe even earlier.
They came into the lion’s den and left as kings of the hill, without even delving into the nooks and crannies of their sensational and historic World Cup finals victory.
England’s stars enjoyed the moment with their away supporters at the Estadio Azteca
On the surface, it looked like Thomas Tuchel had finally got England’s starting XI off the tee, but then Jarrell Quansah was red.
Quansah looked durable in parts, he is by no means a full-back, but was a good enough candidate to take the role in Reece James’ absence, as Jed Spence has hardly made that role his own.
However, there is no getting away from the fact that his fearsome charge on Jesus Gallardo was so highly praised that referee Alireza Faghani had no choice but to send him off.
Beyond that, there was much to admire in England’s bold, ambitious, bold actions.
But history tells us that nothing is ever simple when it comes to the Three Lions. Even after everything finally went right with a brilliant attacking development, Thomas Tuchel’s side remained focused on shooting themselves in the foot.
England’s stars celebrate behind the goal as they beat Mexico before Jordan Henderson was injured
The emergence of Spence and Dan Byrne, who made an incredible last-ditch effort, ushered in a never-ending wave of pressure from Mexico.
There was no real outlet for the attack, the ball just coming back to England, but Tuchel seemed surprisingly comfortable with it.
The defense has looked vulnerable throughout the tournament and it was no different here. That could ultimately prevent England from maximizing their true potential at this World Cup.
We saw it in flash. England, during crucial periods, actually looked like a team that had the perfect punch and could do damage to anyone.
Jude Bellingham, who scored twice, was fascinating in every sense of the word and Harry Kane stepped up to provide yet another decisive moment, but the night also belonged to Anthony Gordon.
Once he got his feel for the game, he was great, attacking the Mexican defense all night.
With this version of Gordon, Barcelona will be able to enjoy shopping without having to frantically check their back pockets for receipts.
Gordon was largely credited with England’s lively start.
Gallardo didn’t have the speed to keep up the pace, but with some smart, precise control and touch from the left wing, he contained the ball before firing a shot, which was saved by Raul Rangel to give England confidence.
There is a saying among the team and coaching staff that they “hit the rock.”
It was a case of persistence being rewarded and Gordon, who came off the bench against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, justified his return to the starting lineup.
Here he took center stage alongside Bellingham, justifying the hype and Tuchel’s faith in him.
He won penalties in conjunction with Kane, was intentional rather than passive with his dribbling, and looked like he could beat his marker every time.
It was a great shame that England were forced to set up camp in their own box, as Gordon seemed determined to put Mexico to the sword.
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