England’s World Cup journey gained a memorable highlight after Jude Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds, leading the team to a remarkable 3-2 victory over Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
This win propels Thomas Tuchel’s squad into the quarter-finals, where they will confront Erling Haaland’s Norway in Miami this Saturday. Norway’s surprise victory over Brazil secured their own spot in the quarter-finals.
However, the post-match celebrations turned concerning for one England player, who suffered a serious injury that now necessitates surgery, overshadowing the victory.
Jordan Henderson, aged 36, experienced a mishap when he attempted to celebrate with English fans by climbing over an advertising board. Unfortunately, he slipped and fell awkwardly, resulting in a severe fracture of his left forearm. Consequently, he was transported to a hospital in Mexico City instead of returning with the team to their base in Kansas City.
Initially, team captain Harry Kane downplayed the severity of the incident in a post-match interview, mentioning that Henderson had merely “fallen over” and it involved his arm.
However, Henderson’s father, Brian, only grasped the gravity of the situation when he saw his son being wheeled on a trolley during Kane’s interview.
“I had no idea it was that serious until they were interviewing Harry Kane and a trolley came past with Jordan on it,” Brian explained. “I could see him on there with oxygen and things. I was up all night waiting to hear the news.”
Henderson’s surgery is expected to sideline him for the rest of the tournament, and considering his age, it might signal the conclusion of his international career with England.
Despite this setback, Henderson remained upbeat, sharing his thoughts on Instagram and focusing on the team’s victory rather than his injury. “A night to remember that’s for sure! What an incredible performance against all the different challenges,” he posted. “So proud to be a part of this special team. Thanks for all the support, another big one Saturday.”
His teammates quickly expressed their support in the comments, with Declan Rice writing ‘Some man’, and Morgan Rogers adding ‘What a guy’.
Defender Marc Guehi provided an update on Henderson’s recovery during 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 plans to stay with the squad to offer support throughout the tournament, with his father preparing to visit him in the USA next week.
Upcoming World Cup fixtures include:
**Quarter-final – Match 97:** France vs Morocco, kick-off 4pm in Los Angeles, US
**Quarter-final – Match 98:** Winners of Match 91 vs Match 92, kick-off 3pm in Miami, US
**Quarter-final – Match 99:** Norway vs England, kick-off 5pm in Miami, US
**Quarter-final – Match 100:** Winners of Match 95 vs Match 96, kick-off 9pm in Kansas City, US
**Semi-final – Match 101:** Winners of Match 97 vs Match 98, kick-off 3pm in Arlington, US
**Semi-final – Match 102:** Winners of Match 99 vs Match 100, kick-off 3pm in Atlanta, US
**Third Place Playoff – Match 103:** Losers of Match 101 vs Match 102, kick-off 5pm in Miami, US
**Final – Match 104:** Winners of Match 101 vs Match 102, kick-off 3pm in New Jersey, US