Henderson reflects on England record

Jordan Henderson says playing for England remains as special as ever after he became the first Three Lions player to feature at four FIFA World Cups. 

The 36-year-old wrote his name into the history books when he came off the bench in the 2-0 win against Panama, as Thomas Tuchel’s side secured top spot in Group L to set up a tie with DR Congo in the Round of 32. 

Henderson, who won his 91st cap against the Central Americans, is also the first Englishman to play at seven major tournaments, and his desire to do well burns as strongly as ever. 

“Time flies, doesn’t it,” he said when speaking to ITV after the game.

“It’s crazy really. I’ve always said how honoured I am to represent my country ever since I made my debut. 

“To still be able to do it now is a dream come true and to get on and still run around like a little kid when I got some minutes means just as much now as when I made my first cap. 

“All I’ve ever tried to do, is do my best for my country and my team-mates and for everyone to make the nation proud.”

Goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane gave England all three points at New York New Jersey Stadium, where Panama proved stubborn opposition for long periods. 

Henderson was one of five substitutes sent on by Tuchel in a game where the opposition had several chances of their own. 

The Brentford man feels Tuchel’s side will naturally aim to improve various elements of their game as the tournament progresses but reiterated that there are plenty of reasons to be confident as they prepare to enter the knockout stage. 

“It’s a nice feeling to win the group, win the game today, clean sheet again which is important,” he added.

“I think we will [have more control] and we just need to make sure that when that happens again, we make better decisions.

“Controlling games, which we’ve been really good at, especially in the Ghana game, we just need to keep on that. There will be loads of areas we want to tweak, improve on and get better.

“I’m still confident the lads are in a great spot, and training has been excellent as well. It’s a good feeling around the camp and we just need to keep pushing everything.”