Rogers and Burn insist Henderson could still play at World Cup despite wrist fracture

Jordan Henderson is refusing to accept his World Cup is over, with England teammates Morgan Rogers and Dan Burn both suggesting the 36-year-old midfielder could yet return to action despite undergoing surgery on a fractured wrist.

Henderson suffered the arm fracture during England’s 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday. He subsequently had a successful operation in Kansas City, where the England squad is based, before rejoining the group — a gesture that left his teammates visibly moved.

Rogers, speaking at England’s media briefing in Kansas City on Wednesday, said Henderson’s presence back in camp was a reflection of his character. “That just shows exactly what he’s like as a person and as a guy,” Rogers said. “I think hopefully he can still be involved with us going for the rest of the tournament. He’s not going to rule himself out in either way.”

The Brentford midfielder added: “The belief he’s got in his own body and his ability and his confidence and the way he is and what he represents as a person is massive to our group. He’s the heartbeat of the group. To see him this morning smiling and still as happy as he ever is — it’s so nice for us to just see him and hopefully we can get him back out on the pitch as soon as possible.”

Defender Dan Burn, meanwhile, admitted he felt a degree of guilt over the incident, having inadvertently been involved in the moment Henderson was hurt. “I think I killed him a bit because I made it look really easy when I jumped over,” Burn said. “He was like a kid for me. I just heard the noise behind us straight away, and you know with Hendo, if he doesn’t get up, there’s something wrong.”

Burn said he was relieved to have Henderson back with the squad. “He’s had his op now, and hopefully they’re still up for him to play in the tournament. I know he’ll do absolutely everything possible to be there with the lads. I’m happy he’s back in Kansas now, because I think it’s been a long few days.”

Whether Henderson can realistically play with a protective cast remains unclear, and any return would represent a remarkable recovery. England’s progress in the tournament will determine how much time he has to prove his fitness.