Jordan Henderson’s father has revealed the England midfielder is determined to remain with the squad despite seeing his World Cup ended by a freak injury.
The veteran midfielder has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after suffering a serious arm injury during the celebrations that followed England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the last 16.
Henderson slipped while attempting to jump over an advertising board after the final whistle at the Azteca Stadium, landing heavily on his left arm and requiring lengthy treatment from England’s medical staff.
The Brentford midfielder was eventually carried from the pitch on a stretcher while receiving oxygen before being transferred to hospital in Mexico City.
His father, Brian Henderson, has now provided a fresh update on the 36-year-old, admitting he feared the worst after watching the incident unfold live on television.
Initially, Brian believed his son had suffered nothing more than a minor knock.
England captain Harry Kane also attempted to reassure supporters in his post-match interview, saying: “Jordan just fell over there. I think he’s OK, just something to do with his arm.”
But Brian’s concerns quickly escalated when he saw Henderson being wheeled past the television cameras surrounded by medics.
Jordan Henderson’s father has revealed the England midfielder is determined to remain with the squad despite seeing his World Cup ended by a freak injury
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Jordan Henderson was forced off the field on a stretcher after England’s win over Mexico
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“At first I just thought he’d fallen,” Brian told the Daily Mail.
“I thought he’d maybe scraped his wrist.
“I had no idea it was that serious until they were interviewing Harry Kane and a trolley came past with Jordan on it. I could see him on there with oxygen and things.
“Straight away, I messaged his PA, who was over there, to try and find out what had happened. I was up all night waiting to hear the news.
England’s record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWS
“It’s just a waiting game now.”
Although early reports suggested Henderson had injured his wrist, Brian revealed the damage is considerably more severe.
“It’s his left forearm – he’s just completely smashed it,” he said.
“He’s going to have a cast on and then it depends on what the experts say.”
Henderson’s return to England’s training base in Kansas City was delayed after storms disrupted travel, with the midfielder now expected to undergo surgery under a specialist surgeon who has experience treating NFL players.
Despite being unable to play any further part in the tournament, Brian insists Henderson has no intention of leaving Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
“He won’t be leaving his team-mates,” he said.
“He’ll be there until it’s finished.”
Jordan Henderson celebrates after England’s World Cup win over Mexico | GETTY
The former Liverpool captain has played only six minutes during the World Cup but remains one of England’s most experienced voices in the dressing room.
His absence leaves Tuchel with fewer midfield options ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway, with Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Kobbie Mainoo now the manager’s recognised central midfield choices.
Jude Bellingham, who scored twice in England’s memorable victory over Mexico, also paid tribute to Henderson after the match.
“He’s in a bit of bother, but our medical team have got everything under control,” Bellingham said.
“It’s probably best not to say too much when I don’t really know what was going on. But everyone was there to support him, and even that was a beautiful thing to see.”
Tuchel admitted immediately after the match that the injury looked serious.
“It looks really bad,” the England boss said.
“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.”
