England midfielder Jordan Henderson was carried off on a stretcher after sustaining a freak injury moments after the final whistle of the team's 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup last 16. The incident occurred during wild celebrations at the Azteca Stadium, where the Three Lions secured their place in the quarter-finals against Norway.
Injury during celebrations
Henderson, who had not featured from the bench, was right in the midst of the celebrations when he tumbled while attempting to climb over pitchside electronic advertising boards. Medical staff rushed to his aid immediately, and the experienced midfielder was seen receiving oxygen before being stretchered from the pitch. As he was taken away, several England teammates gathered around him to shield him from media scrutiny.
BBC presenter Kelly Cates said: "He did fall over the advertising hoardings. That's what we think happened. He looked like he was getting some oxygen as he was stretchered off the pitch."
Captain's reaction
England captain Harry Kane was questioned about the incident during his post-match interview and initially indicated that Henderson had not been injured, just moments before he was stretchered off. "Yeah, Hendo just fell over there," said Kane. "I think he's OK. Something to do with his arm."
Jude Bellingham later revealed that Henderson had been seen by England's medical staff and was receiving treatment away from the pitch.
Match summary
The unfortunate incident followed the Three Lions' victory in a gripping encounter that featured five goals, two penalties, a red card, and plenty of tension. A rapid brace from Jude Bellingham and a Harry Kane penalty proved sufficient to send England into the quarter-finals, where they will meet Norway.
When asked about his side's display, England manager Thomas Tuchel said: "Very proud. We needed everything. It was super difficult. In the moments we thought we catch the momentum, we had setbacks. That is proper mentality. This team really mean it. When the going gets tough, they never give up, they never lose belief. It was one step more. We need to take this in. This is Azteca, it's Mexico, a crazy game. We left everything out there, every single one of us. We need to take this in, now it's full steam ahead."
