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England winger Phil Foden has sung the praises of his international teammate, Jordan Henderson, after the Liverpool midfielder scored in England’s 3-0 round of 16 victory over Senegal at the Qatar World Cup on Sunday.
Henderson netted the Three-Lion’s opening goal in the 38th minute against their African opponents, Senegal. His side’s eventual three nil win has seen them through to the competition’s quarter-final stage where they will meet reigning champions, France, in what should be a blockbuster tie.
Henderson is “Massive.”
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Man City’s Phil Foden also starred for England in the knock-out fixture at Al Bayt Stadium and he has since spoken about the influence of Henderson on the squad. He told BBC Sport that the Liverpool midfielder is “massive,” for the team.
“When someone is not doing something right on the pitch, he is quick to tell you off,” Foden revealed.
“I don’t mind that, he is a leader and a captain and he’s definitely got that in his locker,” Foden continued.
“It’s a pleasure to play on the field with him, he ups your game and those around you,” the winger said, “He’s a really important player for us.”
Though many observers had predicted that Henderson was past his best for both club and country, the midfielder’s goal on Sunday silenced many of his doubters. Assisted by his midfield partner and Dortmund star, Jude Bellingham, Henderson showed he still has a lot to give to England’s World Cup campaign in the Gulf. Many pundits also applauded Henderson for the leadership and motivation he showed teammates in the Senegal game.
Foden’s recent comments have unveiled just how vital Henderson is off the field of play too, indicating how much of an influence the veteran midfield anchor has on this talented but young England team.
Henderson and Southgate Post-Match Interview
Henderson’s Influence on England Squad
The ex-Sunderland player’s importance to the Three-lions squad could only grow as they advance deeper into the competition in the Middle East. As the Russia 2018 World Cup champions, France, will pose the side’s biggest challenge yet after they have proceeded into the quarter-finals without meeting any huge names.
Henderson’s leadership and organisational skills on the pitch could be vital to England’s chances of progressing into a semi-final at the tournament and going even further, as many fans are desperate to see. The side were Euro 2020 finalists but lost out on penalties to a surprisingly good Italian side, who, however, did not make the cut for this year’s World Cup.
Henderson has been a vital cog of Jurgen Klopp’s hugely successful Liverpool team in recent years, winning the Champions League, Premier League and both the FA and League Cup competitions in England. The side have struggled this year though, and currently sit in sixth place, 15 points off leaders Arsenal.
Henderson has made 12 appearances in the Reds midfield so far, although injuries have only seen him start on six occasions. He has also lined out three times in the Champions League. If one is to judge the latest transfer rumors, Henderson could be joined in the Liverpool midfield by his international partner Jude Bellingham. Recent reports have indicated Klopp is interested in signing the player to bolster his side.
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