Although he has just finished another grueling season with Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham could be England’s “X factor” in their quest for their first World Cup title in 60 years, his teammate Jordan Henderson said on Sunday.
The team led by Thomas Tuchel is among the favorites for the tournament that started last week in Mexico, Canada and the United States, after coming close to winning in recent World Cups and European Championships.
Veteran Henderson, currently at Brentford, highlighted Bellingham as a player capable of making a “huge impact” on the competition.
“It’s incredible how much he’s evolved as a player and as a person since then,” said the former Liverpool star when speaking to the press in Kansas City.
“I was impressed from the first time I saw him play and train, and the way he carried himself. But what he has achieved so far, being so young…”, said Henderson of his midfield partner, who made his international debut in 2020, aged 17.
“I think everyone forgets how young he is. Even me, sometimes,” he said. “Honestly, I couldn’t speak better of him. I know a lot is written about him in the media. Sometimes I find it difficult to read that, I really do, because I know exactly what a huge influence he has on this team and what a great teammate he is off the field.”
“And what he brings to us is something really special, honestly. I think he really gives us that edge,” said the 35-year-old, who is also a former Ajax midfielder.
On Wednesday, England face a tough test against Croatia in their Group L opener in Arlington, Texas, before facing Ghana and Panama.
Henderson recognized the challenges posed by Croatia, runner-up at the World Cup in Russia in 2018 and third place in Qatar in 2022, and highlighted their emblematic leader, Luka Modric.
“For me, he’s probably the best midfielder I’ve ever played against in my career,” said the Englishman. “I think his career speaks for itself.”
