Henderson becomes first player to feature in four World Cups as England top Group L

Jordan Henderson etched his name into England’s football history on Saturday, becoming the first player to feature at four World Cups after coming on as a late substitute in a 2-0 victory over Panama that confirmed England as Group L winners. The result sets up a last-32 meeting with DR Congo.

The 36-year-old’s World Cup story began at the 2014 tournament in Brazil, where Roy Hodgson’s side exited at the group stage. Henderson went on to play a significant part in the run to the semi-finals in Russia in 2018 and the quarter-finals in Qatar four years later, and now adds a fourth chapter in the United States.

“Time goes very quickly,” Henderson said. “It’s very special to represent my country at four World Cups. I’m just delighted to be a part of this team and it’s still as special now as it was when I made my debut.”

His role in this tournament has shifted — he is no longer a guaranteed starter — but Henderson insists he remains committed to contributing however he can. “I’m just delighted that I can help the team as much as possible, both on and off the field, and just try and give everything I can to help us achieve our dreams.”

Topping the group gives England a nominally more favourable route through the knockout bracket than a second-place finish would have provided, and Henderson acknowledged the squad deserves credit for that. “Winning the group is not easy, so first and foremost I think the lads deserve a bit of credit for that,” he said.

With the knockout rounds beginning, Henderson called for composure and belief. “Knockout football is just about staying calm in this moment, believing in what we’ve achieved so far to get here. We’ve got an incredible squad of players. It’ll only get tougher from here, so we’ve just got to stay confident and follow what the manager wants us to do.”

England face DR Congo for the first time in a competitive fixture. Ranked 41st in the world, DR Congo impressed in the group stage, taking four points including a 1-1 draw with Portugal in which Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa scored. Henderson was quick to flag the threat. “They got a good result against Portugal. Wissa scored — we know him well. A good team, some good players, very strong. In the knockout rounds no game is easy.”