England's Henderson defends Bellingham ahead of World Cup 2026 opener

Jordan Henderson backs Jude Bellingham to deliver at the World Cup 2026 while downplaying media criticism.

England captain praises Bellingham Jordan Henderson admitted that he struggles to make sense of some of the criticism directed at Jude Bellingham but emphasized the midfielder’s potential to be England’s decisive factor at the World Cup 2026. Speaking at the team’s base in Kansas City, Henderson expressed confidence that Bellingham possesses the qualities to make a major contribution in the tournament. He described the Madrid midfielder as someone who could provide the squad with a unique edge. Henderson also highlighted Bellingham’s history of stepping up in crucial moments and his tournament experience as key assets ahead of the competition. ## Henderson recalls Bellingham’s rise Reflecting on Bellingham’s development since his international debut six years earlier, Henderson marveled at the player’s growth both on and off the field. He recounted how he first sensed Bellingham’s potential during training and matches, noting how his poise belied his young age. Even now, Henderson said, it is easy to forget just how young Bellingham is despite his impressive achievements. The captain also praised Bellingham’s influence behind the scenes, particularly his mentorship of newer squad members. ## Leadership and team chemistry praised At 35, Henderson was included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad primarily for his leadership and the strong bond he shares with Bellingham. He went so far as to say there are not enough positive words to describe the Real Madrid star. Henderson dismissed much of the media narrative surrounding Bellingham, insisting that the player’s true impact is felt within the team environment rather than in public discussions. He pointed to Bellingham’s consistency in training and his ability to elevate those around him as proof of his value. ## Bellingham’s role with young players Henderson pointed out that Bellingham’s maturity extends to his interactions with younger teammates, mentioning how he supported 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha by presenting him with his England legacy cap after the teenager’s debut. The captain noted that Bellingham’s behind-the-scenes contributions, such as guiding newcomers like Josh King, Alex Scott, and Ethan Nwaneri during pre-camp sessions, often go unnoticed by the public. He argued that these actions reveal the depth of Bellingham’s character and his commitment to the squad’s culture. Henderson concluded that much of what is reported about Bellingham fails to capture who he truly is. ## Team morale and World Cup outlook Despite the noise surrounding the starting lineup for England’s first match against Croatia on Wednesday, Henderson remained focused on the squad’s cohesion and collective belief. He reiterated that Bellingham’s presence brings something special to the team, something that cannot be quantified. The captain also defended Bellingham against claims that have circulated in media discussions, insisting that the player’s true worth is recognized by those inside the camp. Henderson emphasized that the team’s internal appreciation for Bellingham outweighs any external opinions.