Read for 2 minutes7 July 2026 06:30 AM IST
England’s joy at the Estadio Azteca was dampened by a freak injury to senior midfielder Jordan Henderson. In fan-shot videos that have gone viral on social media, Henderson can be seen writhing in pain as he breaks his leg while jumping on an advertising board in jubilant scenes for England to advance to FI 2 FI 2’s World Cup final as they beat co-hosts Mexico at the iconic stadium.
The former Liverpool captain landed awkwardly when he slipped while climbing the board and video footage showed his forearm. England defender Dan Byrne, who had counted the same hoarding just before Henderson, turned around and took a look before immediately waving for help. Henderson was eventually stretchered off the field while on oxygen. Sky Sports have reported that the midfielder will be ruled out for the rest of the tournament. England’s Football Association has not officially said anything about Henderson’s involvement in the rest of the tournament.
According to Reuters, Henderson was taken to a hospital in Mexico City and did not return to England’s training base in Kansas City with the rest of Thomas Tuchel’s squad. A member of England’s medical staff remained behind him.
Henderson was an unused substitute in the 3-2 win over Mexico and played just six minutes at the World Cup in the closing stages of England’s 2-0 group win against Panama. Although he is one of the most respected senior figures in the dressing room, Tuchel emphasized his value in the dressing room when questioned about Henderson’s selection when the squad was announced for the World Cup.
England next face Norway in the quarter-finals, having beaten five-time champions Brazil in the last 16.