Henderson faces World Cup exit after freak injury mars England's 3-2 win over Mexico

Jordan Henderson’s World Cup campaign is in serious doubt after the midfielder sustained a freak injury during England’s celebrations following their 3-2 round-of-16 victory over Mexico at the Aztec Stadium.

Henderson, 36, did not play a single minute in the win over the co-hosts but was still shown a yellow card from the touchline. Jude Bellingham’s brace and a Harry Kane penalty proved enough to edge past Mexico, sparking wild scenes involving the entire squad, coaching staff and travelling supporters — scenes that ended badly for the former Liverpool captain when he slipped on the advertising hoardings and fell awkwardly onto his arm.

He was stretchered off and taken to hospital, with England head coach Thomas Tuchel expressing concern over the severity of the injury. The precise nature of the damage — whether it affects his wrist, forearm or elbow — has yet to be confirmed, but injury expert Physio Scout assessed the available video footage and offered a sobering outlook.

Should Henderson have suffered a wrist or forearm fracture, recovery is likely to take between four and eight weeks. An elbow dislocation would require three to six weeks. Either scenario would almost certainly end his involvement in the tournament, with Physio Scout concluding he would be “really lucky to play again” at this World Cup. The final is scheduled for New Jersey in less than a fortnight.

For Henderson, it represents a painful blow in what is widely expected to be his last World Cup. Depending on the results of his hospital assessment, his hopes of lifting the trophy this summer may already be over. Even if he cannot contribute on the pitch, his experience could still prove valuable to teammates in an advisory capacity.

The injury compounds Tuchel’s selection headaches ahead of England’s quarter-final against Norway. Defender Jarell Quansah, another former Liverpool player, was sent off during the Mexico match, leaving the head coach short of right-back options as he plans for the next round.