Jordan Henderson has thrown his full support behind Jude Bellingham ahead of England’s opening World Cup match against Croatia on Wednesday.
The Brentford midfielder insists he finds it “hard to read” much of the criticism directed at the Real Madrid star in the press.
England’s tournament opener against Croatia kicks off at 21:00 BST, with Bellingham’s place in the starting eleven among the most debated topics surrounding the squad.
The 22-year-old has faced scrutiny over recent England performances and previously claimed he had been made a “scapegoat” within the camp.
Henderson, speaking at England’s training base in Kansas City, was unequivocal in his praise for Bellingham and his importance to Thomas Tuchel’s side.
“I can remember six years ago, I gave him his first cap and how much he has grown as a player and person since then is incredible really,” said Henderson.
“I had a good idea when I first saw him playing and training and the way he was. What he has done so far at such a young age, I think everybody forgets how young he is, even me sometimes.”
Henderson, 35, was included in Tuchel’s squad for his leadership qualities, and the former Liverpool captain shares a notably close bond with Bellingham inside the camp.
“I know a lot gets written in the media, I find it hard to read sometimes really because I just know just how big an influence he is on this team, how good a team-mate he is off the field,” Henderson said.
“What he gives us is just something really special. He really gives us an X-factor in our team. He has had big moments in his career, he is a big game player.”
Despite being one of the younger members of the England squad, Bellingham is among the most experienced, having accumulated 48 caps across his international career.
The attacking midfielder is set to feature at his third major tournament, underlining just how much he has achieved at such an early stage of his career.
Henderson also highlighted Bellingham’s positive influence on newer members of the squad, pointing to his relationship with several emerging talents during the pre-tournament camp.
“How he was in the pre-camp with Rio [Ngumoha], Josh King, Alex Scott, Ethan [Nwaneri] – how he is with the players, nobody sees that,” Henderson said.
Bellingham was filmed presenting 17-year-old Ngumoha with his England legacy cap and delivered a speech in the changing room after the Liverpool winger debuted in the 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand.
“They all look up to him and he gave Rio [Ngumoha] his first cap which gives you a little insight to what he is like behind the scenes,” Henderson added.
“I do think that a lot of the media and the stuff that gets written isn’t all true to be honest, a lot of it is actually untrue.”
Henderson was clear that regardless of external noise, the feeling towards Bellingham inside the England camp remains overwhelmingly positive ahead of the tournament.
