Jordan Henderson was stretchered off the pitch at the Estadio Azteca after suffering a freak injury while celebrating England's 3-2 win over Mexico – and the Three Lions midfielder is now expected to undergo surgery and miss the rest of the World Cup.
The veteran midfielder collapsed in agony during the post-match jubilation, with medical staff rushing to his side before carrying him down the tunnel. The injury was described as 'really bad', and the 34-year-old was taken to hospital for further assessment.
“Jordan Henderson faces surgery and will miss the rest of the World Cup after a freak celebration injury.”
His departure was the only dark spot on a night that saw England produce a heroic display to book a quarter-final clash against Norway. Down to 10 men after Jarell Quansah's red card, Thomas Tuchel's side switched to a 5-3-1 formation and held on brilliantly against the co-hosts.
Jude Bellingham scored twice, with Harry Kane adding a penalty, to overturn goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez. The match was delayed by an hour due to the threat of thunder and lightning.
Now England must decide whether to call up a replacement for Henderson. The scenario is different to the Tino Livramento and Trevoh Chalobah case from earlier in the tournament, though no further details on the squad rules have been confirmed.
England will face Norway in the last eight after Erling Haaland scored twice to knock out Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil. John Stones has already fired a warning to his former Manchester City teammate.
Elsewhere in the tournament, US President Donald Trump confirmed talks with FIFA president Gianni Infantino after Folarin Balogun's red card was suspended, making the USA striker available for Belgium. Sepp Blatter publicly accused FIFA over the intervention, while Mexico's boss stepped down after the defeat. At least four people were reported shot as crowds gathered after the match.
But for England, the focus is on Henderson's absence – a huge blow to their hopes of lifting the trophy.