MY ACCOUNT
Jordan Henderson has come in for his fair share of criticism in recent months — but his inclusion was crucial as England cruised past Senegal.
The Liverpool skipper worked in partnership with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice to overrun the Lions of Teranga in midfield and secure a 3-0 win — with Henderson scoring the opening goal in the 39th minute.
Ahead of the Three Lions’ World Cup quarter-final clash with France, we analyse the 32-year-old’s performance and importance to Gareth Southgate’s side.
Praise from his peers
Bellingham defended the 73-cap international immediately after the victory over Senegal, hailing his fellow midfielder’s display and quality.
He said: “[It was a] brilliant performance and I [have] seen some of the rubbish that was said about [Henderson] playing.
“It’s ridiculous, [he’s] so underrated technically and he’s delivered in a big game with a massive [performance], so I think it’s about time he gets respect.”
The pair have enjoyed a flourishing on-field chemistry, no better exemplified than Henderson’s goal in the last-16 tie, perfectly assisted by Bellingham’s cross.
To celebrate the crucial strike, the Three Lions duo — separated by 13 years in age — came together in a show of strength and mutual appreciation.
Greater structural solidity
Henderson’s presence in England’s midfield three — as opposed to Mason Mount featuring in a more attacking role — granted Southgate a stronger foundation without switching to a three-man defence.
The Three Lions boss has deviated away from a back four at times in recent years, but the side looks more balanced with a reinforced engine room.
Southgate, 52, may be tempted to revert to a back three given the quality France possess in attack — but the midfield trio utilised against Senegal could provide an alternative solution.
Former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard recently highlighted the benefit of including Henderson in the starting XI.
The 114-cap international said: “I think England have got a lot of young, exciting talent, but you need experienced players that positionally give these younger players licence to go and cause a lot of damage.
“Positionally he is bang on, but at the right time he joins in and gets himself forward.
“He is very selfless, he works his socks off, he does as much running as anyone else, he’s a fantastic passer of the ball, he’s unselfish on the pitch.
“His performances allow other people to get the credit a lot of the time.”
Defensively diligent
Henderson has won four tackles despite playing just 193 World Cup minutes. Of his England team-mates, only Bellingham (11), Kieran Trippier and Harry Maguire (both six) have won more.
The Sunderland academy graduate has proven himself to be a composed presence on the ball, completing 96 passes — funnelling 28 into the final third and playing four long.
He is also yet to lose possession of the ball despite taking 138 touches — demonstrating his ball-retention qualities.
Southgate agrees that his No8 is operating at a high level in Qatar.
After Henderson’s performance against the Africa Cup of Nations champions last Sunday, the England manager said: “This is the best version of Hendo we’ve had.
“He looks in good physical condition. His influence on the group is fantastic, always has been. And to chip in with a goal, he really deserves that.”
Premier League struggles
Henderson has come into the World Cup off the back of an uninspiring start to the season with Liverpool.
The Reds are sixth in the Premier League — 15 points behind leaders Arsenal — and both club and captain have looked a shadow of themselves this campaign.
The Merseysiders’ talisman has played just 646 minutes of league football for the Anfield outfit this term — for reference, Virgil van Dijk has played almost twice as many (1,260) — and ranks outside the top 10 in the squad for tackles (nine).
Despite an underwhelming run of form at club level, former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane believes the Premier League and Champions League winner warrants respect.
Keane, 51, said: “I’ve never had any doubt with Jordan, Jordan can produce.
“He’s been a rock-solid professional player. Jordan is an excellent player and just as important, excellent character and personality.
“[Jurgen] Klopp has been playing him for a long time. If he wasn’t sure on him, he wouldn’t be playing.”
Big-game experience
The veteran midfielder does appear to possess a quality that many of his England team-mates lack — big-game nous.
Southgate’s squad boasts talent in abundance but this young side could benefit greatly from Henderson’s experience in crunch encounters.
He has won eight trophies for Liverpool and knows how to deliver on the grandest stage — England will certainly need that maturity when they lock horns with the world champions.
