Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson (36) of the England national soccer team suffered a serious wrist injury while celebrating the team’s advancement to the quarterfinals of the 2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup in North America.
England secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against Mexico in the Round of 16 match at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Monday. In the heat of celebration, Henderson and his teammates leaped over the advertising boards, caught up in the moment.
The jubilation, however, quickly turned to concern. As Henderson attempted to jump back over the boards, he lost his footing and took a nasty spill. In a split-second reaction, he instinctively used his left hand to break his fall, resulting in a severe wrist injury.
Medical staff rushed to Henderson’s aid, but the situation proved more serious than initially thought. The midfielder was eventually stretchered off the field and rushed to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
In the post-match press conference, England’s manager Thomas Tuchel grimly reported that Henderson injured his wrist in the fall. It appears to be quite serious.
According to BBC Sport, Henderson is likely to join teammate Reece James, who’s nursing a hamstring injury, on the sidelines.
While Henderson’s absence isn’t expected to drastically impact England’s squad depth, it’s still a blow to the team. The veteran midfielder’s role in this tournament has been limited, with his only appearance coming as a late substitute in the group stage match against Panama.
Looking ahead, England is set to face a formidable Norwegian side, spearheaded by goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland, in the quarterfinals. The high-stakes clash is scheduled for July 12 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.