Jordan Henderson’s World Cup campaign could be over after the England midfielder suffered a serious wrist injury while celebrating the team’s dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico.
The 36-year-old was not involved on the pitch during the last-16 match at the Azteca Stadium but was fully part of the post-match celebrations after England secured their place in the quarter-finals.
Henderson climbed over the advertising boards to celebrate with travelling supporters, but injured himself while trying to return to the pitch area. He landed awkwardly and immediately required medical attention before being carried away on a stretcher and taken to hospital for further checks.
England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted the early signs were worrying, saying the injury appeared serious and that Henderson had hurt his wrist badly in the fall.
The incident added a strange ending to a tense night for England, who survived a major test against the tournament co-hosts. Jude Bellingham gave Tuchel’s side control with two first-half goals before Mexico responded through Julian Quiñones.
England’s situation became more difficult after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half, but Harry Kane’s penalty restored a two-goal advantage. Mexico scored again late on but could not complete the comeback.
Henderson has played a limited role at the tournament, making only a brief appearance during the group stage, but his leadership and influence around the squad have been viewed as valuable. His passion on the bench was clear against Mexico, where he was even shown a yellow card despite not entering the match.
The injury leaves England with another concern ahead of their quarter-final meeting with Norway. Tuchel is already without Reece James because of a thigh problem, while Quansah will miss the next match through suspension.
England will now prepare for a difficult test against a Norway side led by Erling Haaland, who helped eliminate Brazil in the previous round.