Jordan Henderson is expected to miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering a badly broken wrist in a freak accident following England's 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. The 36-year-old Brentford midfielder was attempting to jump over advertising hoardings to celebrate with travelling fans when he landed awkwardly on his arm, collapsing in pain. He was carried from the pitch on a stretcher, given oxygen and rushed to hospital in Mexico City, where he remained on Sunday evening as the rest of the squad flew back to their base in Kansas City.
"Jordan just fell over and injured his wrist," manager Thomas Tuchel told BBC One after the match. "It looks really bad. 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." Henderson is set to undergo surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament and potentially ending his England career; the World Cup was expected to be his final international tournament.
“Jordan Henderson likely out of World Cup after breaking wrist jumping over hoardings celebrating England's win.”
Despite the devastating blow, Henderson broke his silence on Instagram, writing: "A night to remember that's for sure! What an incredible performance against all the different challenges. So proud to be a part of this special team. Thanks for all the support, another big one Saturday." His teammates rallied around him: vice-captain Declan Rice called him "some man," Morgan Rogers replied "what a guy," and Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence posted heart emojis.
England defender Marc Guehi provided an update on Henderson's state of mind, telling 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, who earned his 90th cap against Panama in the group stage, is the only England men's player to have featured at four World Cup tournaments. Tuchel brought him for his experience and leadership despite widespread opposition to his selection.
Tuchel is now set to instruct his players not to jump over advertising hoardings to avoid a repeat, a warning prompted by Henderson's freak injury. Whether the veteran midfielder will travel to be with the squad for Saturday's quarter-final against Norway has yet to be confirmed.