Henderson defends Bellingham, calls midfielder England's X-factor ahead of World Cup clash with Croatia

Henderson's defense of Bellingham

Jordan Henderson has strongly defended Jude Bellingham, insisting the 22-year-old midfielder is central to England's World Cup hopes and is misunderstood by critics. Speaking at the team's training base in Kansas City, Henderson said he finds the negative media coverage 'hard to read' because Bellingham's influence on the squad is immense. 'He really gives us the X-factor in our team,' Henderson said. 'He's had big moments in his career, he's a big-game player.'

“I honestly couldn't speak highly enough of him. I know a lot gets written in the media, I find it hard to read sometimes, because I just know how big an influence he is on this team, how good a teammate he is off the field. What he gives us is just something really special.”

Bellingham's role and scrutiny

The Real Madrid star has become a divisive figure, with debate over whether he or Morgan Rogers should start as the No. 10 against Croatia. Bellingham has previously said he was made a 'scapegoat' for England's performances, but Henderson highlights his experience: 48 caps and a third major tournament at age 22. Behind the scenes, Bellingham has mentored young players like Rio Ngumoha, Josh King, Alex Scott and Ethan Nwaneri during the pre-tournament camp.

“If you ask any player in the group, they'll tell you how much of a good teammate he is, how well he trains. I know he's young but he's very mature. He helps young players, new players, that are coming in.”

Henderson's own journey

Henderson, who turns 36 on the day of England's opening match, was a controversial inclusion by manager Thomas Tuchel, chosen ahead of younger options like Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Morgan Gibbs-White. The Brentford midfielder, appearing at his fourth World Cup, says Tuchel told him 'to be myself' regardless of playing time. He gave Bellingham his first senior cap and has remained a close mentor.

The opening test

England face Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday (21:00 BST), with Luka Modric, 40, set to play in his fifth World Cup for the opponents. The match will be an early gauge of England's tournament credentials, and whether Tuchel's selections (and Bellingham's form) can deliver.