Jordan Henderson will miss the rest of the World Cup after breaking his wrist in a freak accident during England's post-match celebrations following their 3-2 last-16 victory over Mexico. The 36-year-old Brentford midfielder, an unused substitute in the game, fell awkwardly as he attempted to leap over an advertising board at the Azteca Stadium and was immediately attended to by medical staff. Henderson was given oxygen and carried off the pitch on a stretcher before being taken to hospital in Mexico City, accompanied by a member of England's support staff. He did not travel back with the team to their Kansas City base.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed the severity of the injury. "Jordan [Henderson] just fell over and injured his wrist. It looks really bad," Tuchel told BBC One. "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." It was later confirmed that Henderson had broken his wrist and is expected to undergo surgery, effectively ending his tournament.
“Jordan Henderson broke his wrist in post-match celebrations and is out of the World Cup.”
Jude Bellingham, speaking to the BBC, said: "He's in a bit of bother but our medical team have got everything under control probably. 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."
Henderson, the former Liverpool captain, had been booked during a fractious match for a confrontation on the sidelines. His sole appearance in the tournament came as an 84th-minute substitute against Panama. By playing at his fourth World Cup — he was first selected by Roy Hodgson for the ill-starred 2014 campaign in Brazil — Henderson equalled a record set by Bobby Charlton, who appeared from 1958 to 1970.
Despite the injury, Henderson is keen to return to the squad's camp to support his teammates for the remainder of their time in the United States, fitness permitting. He was the first player to run onto the field from the bench to celebrate after the final whistle, reflecting his importance to the group. He now has two yellow cards at the tournament despite playing only six minutes of football.
Tuchel was visibly subdued in his press conference, upset that the incident would deny Henderson the chance to continue competing. The injury casts a shadow over what had been a historic night for England, as they advanced to the quarter-finals to face Norway.