Henderson: Bellingham gives us an X-factor

Jordan Henderson expects Jude Bellingham to bring an “X-factor” to England’s performances at the FIFA World Cup 2026, starting against Croatia on Wednesday.

The Three Lions take on Zlatko Dalic’s side in their tournament opener in Dallas, with Bellingham in contention to start for Thomas Tuchel’s men as they look to add a second star to the shirt.

The Real Madrid midfielder is already one of England’s most experienced players despite being just 22 years old, having won 48 caps for his country and featured at the last three major tournaments.

And Henderson, who is preparing for his fourth consecutive World Cup, has heaped praise on his team-mate, insisting he will be a “huge player” in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.

Speaking at England’s training base in Kansas City, Henderson said: "I can remember six years ago, I gave him his first cap and how much he has grown as a player and person since then is incredible really.

"I had a good idea when I first saw him playing and training and the way he was. What he has done so far at such a young age, I think everybody forgets how young he is, even me sometimes.

"I honestly couldn't speak highly enough of him. What he gives us is just something really special. He really gives us an X-factor in our team. He has had big moments in his career, he is a big game player.

"He has got experience in tournaments. He is a huge, huge player for us in this tournament."

While Bellingham’s performances on the pitch for England have caught the eye, those inside the Three Lions camp have also been impressed by the former Birmingham City star’s professionalism and desire to help the next generation.

The midfielder gave 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha his England legacy cap after the Liverpool youngster made his senior debut in the warm-up win over New Zealand recently, and delivered a changing room speech in front of Tuchel and the rest of the squad.

Henderson continued: "If you ask any player in this group they will tell you how much of a good team-mate he is, how well he trains.

"I know he is young but he also helps young players, new players that come in. How he was in the pre-camp with Rio [Ngumoha], Josh King, Alex Scott, Ethan [Nwaneri] - how he is with the players, nobody sees that.

"They all look up to him and he gave Rio [Ngumoha] his first cap which gives you a little insight to what he is like behind the scenes.

"For us, we know what he can do and we all love him inside the camp and I suppose that's the main thing."

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