Jordan Henderson Should Be Fit To Play For England Tomorrow

England midfield Jordan Henderson seems set to overcome a suspected hamstring injury to play in tomorrow's crucial World Cup semi-final.

The Liverpool captain had been struggling since Saturday's win over Sweden and was replaced late on in that game by Eric Dier as a precautionary measure.

England line-up. Image: PA

"I was just a little bit tight before the game, so towards the last 20 minutes I just overstretched and I felt it a little bit," said the Sunderland-born midfielder to the Telegraph.

"But it doesn't feel too bad, so hopefully it'll be fine."

England were also sweating over the fitness of Jamie Vardy, who has a groin problem, and of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who put in a series of vital saves against Sweden but also injured his thumb.

"We'll just have to assess people as we go," said Gareth Southgate in his press conference yesterday.

"Hendo was one who was feeling tightness in his hamstring, which was why we made the change. We'll just have to assess the bodies.

"They've been through a lot. More the other night coming into today. But of course you get an accumulation of fatigue through a tournament and that's why we took the decision we did against Belgium, more than anything."

Henderson also spoke of the effect that Southgate has had on the England team, particularly in terms of mentality and vision.

"That was one of the biggest things that the gaffer wanted to bring when he came in, to have an identity of the team and how we wanted to play," said the midfielder.

"That was an open conversation from early on in terms of how the players wanted to play and how he wanted to play.

PA

"We were on the same hymn sheet from the off. He's really helped bring that identity out in us as a team.

"It's important everyone knows their roles individually and collectively as a group. He's obviously done that very well and the lads have bought into that. But we have to continue that.

"I'm fortunate enough to have that at Liverpool with Jurgen [Klopp], who for me is one of the best managers in the world. He's helped me progress as player and I've tried to bring that here.

"And since the gaffer has taken over with England, he's been outstanding and he's brought a togetherness and identity to the group and I think that's huge."

Topics: SPORT, Russia 2018, Football, England, World Cup

Mike Wood

Mike Meehall Wood is a freelance journalist and translator. He writes for LADbible, VICE and countless sports publications, focusing on rugby league, football and boxing. He is a graduate of Leeds University and maintains a fizzy pop obsession. Contact Mike at [email protected]