Jordan Henderson has thanked fans for the support he has received following his freak injury in the wake of England’s World Cup last-16 victory over Mexico.
The Three Lions booked their place in the quarter-finals with an unforgettable 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico, in which Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane converted from the spot.
Considering Jarell Quansah’s red card and Mexico’s imperious record at the iconic Azteca, which is located 7,000 feet above sea level, the result is already being spoken about as one of the greatest in England’s history.
However, Henderson suffered a horrendous injury during England’s feverous celebrations, taking some of the gloss off an otherwise dream outing for Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
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Henderson – an unused substitute in the game – had been seen soaking up the moment with England’s travelling support, before making his way towards some nearby advertising hoardings behind the goal in the Mexican capital.
But pictures showed the 36-year-old midfielder landing awkwardly on his left arm after toppling over the barrier, prompting Dan Burn to gesture towards England’s medical staff for their immediate assistance.
Clearly in some distress and discomfort, Henderson had to be carried from the field on a stretcher and the veteran Brentford star required oxygen before being transported to hospital.
The former Liverpool captain has since been ruled out of the remainder of England’s campaign and is expected to undergo surgery on his wrist in due course.
‘Jordan just fell over and injured his wrist,’ Tuchel told the BBC shortly after the final whistle in Mexico City.
‘It looks really bad. 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.’
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This evening, Henderson took to Instagram to address supporters for the first time since his sickening injury, hailing England’s ‘incredible’ display before passing on his gratitude for the kind messages he had received in the aftermath.
‘A night to remember that’s for sure!’ he wrote.
‘What an incredible performance against all the different challenges. So proud to be a part of this special team.
‘Thanks for all the support, another big one Saturday.’
In a wide-ranging interview with England’s in-house media team, Marc Guehi revealed how Henderson was already making good strides on the path to a ‘speedy recovery’.
‘Hendo’s good,’ the England and Manchester City centre-back said on the Lion’s Den programme, presented by comedian Andrew Mensah.
‘He’s in a better place than he was yesterday.
‘It was obviously scary for him and his family and for everyone else, but we’re just glad that he’s on the road to a speedy recovery.’
In England’s next match, Guehi has the unenviable task of trying to shut out Erling Haaland, who took his goalscoring tally at this summer’s World Cup to seven in Norway’s previous clash with Brazil.
‘I know he’ll be up for it,’ Guehi said when asked about the prospect of locking horns with his club team-mate.
It’ll be a challenge, but it’s good to see some familiar faces and try and do our best and try and get a win.
‘It’s going to be fun, it will be fun.’
England’s eagerly anticipated quarter-final contest with Norway kicks off at 10pm BST on Saturday at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
A semi-final clash against one of Argentina, Switzerland or Colombia awaits the victor.
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