England’s dramatic World Cup last-16 victory over Mexico should have ended with celebrations after booking a place in the quarter-finals, but concern quickly replaced the jubilation as Jordan Henderson suffered a freak injury in the aftermath of the final whistle.
The midfielder, who was an unused substitute during the 2-3 victory, was injured while joining his teammates in celebrating with England supporters following the win at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
What should have been a memorable evening for Thomas Tuchel’s side instead took an unfortunate turn as medical staff rushed to Henderson after he fell awkwardly over an advertising board. The 36-year-old was given oxygen before being carried from the pitch on a stretcher with what has since been described as a serious wrist injury.
The incident has immediately cast doubt over Henderson’s involvement for the remainder of England’s World Cup campaign, with the midfielder taken to hospital for further assessment.
Speaking after the match, England head coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed the nature of the injury and admitted the outlook was concerning.
“Jordan just fell over and injured his wrist. It looks really bad,” Tuchel told reporters. “It’s a quite serious injury and it doesn’t fit to the evening that Jordan is now not with us.
“The doctor told me he is in hospital.”
Tuchel also told the BBC: “Jordan injured his wrist, it just doesn’t fit to the evening that Jordan is not with us. I don’t know the procedure, the doctor told me he is in the hospital.”
According to reports, Henderson is being accompanied by a member of England’s support staff and did not travel back with the rest of the squad following the match.
The former Liverpool captain has played only a limited role during the tournament so far. His only appearance came as an 84th-minute substitute against Panama, amounting to just six minutes of action in England’s World Cup campaign. Despite not featuring against Mexico, Henderson was still involved in the evening’s events and had even been booked during the closing stages following a confrontation on the sidelines.
England’s players were celebrating a hard-fought victory that secured their place in the last eight after overcoming both Mexico and a series of setbacks during an eventful contest.
Jude Bellingham starred with two goals, while Harry Kane added a penalty as England established what appeared to be a comfortable advantage.
Mexico fought back through Julian Quinones after Ezri Konsa failed to clear a free-kick, before England’s task became even more difficult when Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo.
Kane restored England’s two-goal cushion from the penalty spot, but Raul Jimenez later converted from 12 yards after another VAR intervention awarded Mexico a penalty. Despite playing with 10 men for a significant period, England held firm to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory and set up a quarter-final clash with Norway.
While Henderson’s injury overshadowed the celebrations, Bellingham offered a reassuring update after the final whistle, while making clear that he did not know the full extent of the situation.
“He’s in a bit of bother but our medical team have got everything under control probably,” Bellingham said. “Best not to give too much detail when I don’t know too much what is going on. Everyone was there to support him and even that was a beautiful thing to see.”
He also added: “The medical team have got everything under control. It is best not to give too much detail when I don’t know everything.”
The dramatic encounter also saw Tuchel voice his frustration with several refereeing decisions after the match, particularly surrounding Mexico’s late penalty award and the use of VAR.
He said: “Just not good enough. Referees are just not good enough. Fourth officials are just not good enough. That’s the bottom line.
“I think three people at the VAR are from South America in a match like this. Is this a clear and obvious error for the mistake for the penalty? I’m not sure.
”He did not even give the foul, he didn’t even overturn a yellow into a red, they overturn a situation where he doesn’t even give a foul. No, referee’s not good enough, and the fourth official’s not good enough.”
Bellingham, however, was more measured in his assessment of the officiating after helping inspire England into the quarter-finals.
He said: “In terms of the refereeing decisions, it is what it is, as easy as it is to say now.
“They’re human, so no worries, we got through.”
England will now turn their attention to Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway in Miami, although Henderson’s availability appears to be in serious doubt. The injury is also likely to leave him joining Reece James on the sidelines, with the defender already nursing a hamstring problem suffered in England’s opening match of the tournament.
Tuchel’s squad will also be without Quansah following his dismissal against Mexico, adding another selection headache ahead of England’s bid to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Featured image credit: X (screenshot)
