Jude Bellingham vehemently defended Jordan Henderson's World Cup selection as he hailed the veteran midfielder's influence on the England squad. The 35-year-old was a controversial pick in the view of many fans and pundits, who believe Thomas Tuchel should have gone for a younger, more dynamic option.
However, that is not how Bellingham and teammate Morgan Rogers see it. The pair have spoken out passionately about what the Brentford star brings to the camp. Bellingham told England's YouTube channel: "Don't get us started on Hendo, we could speak about Hendo…"
Rogers then chimed in: "The best guy I've ever come across in football." When it was put to the pair that Henderson was viewed as a controversial pick by some, Bellingham shook his head in disdain and said: "They don't have a clue what they're talking about. You [the presenter] know from being here for one week how important he is."
Rogers added: "If people did a blind ranking of people they want at the camp beforehand, he'd be in everyone's top five."
Bellingham then highlighted Henderson's importance for light-hearted and serious reasons, saying: "He's so funny, the funniest guy in this camp and he gets everyone laughing, he gets everyone together.
"If there's ever there's an issue, if you're 22, 23, you might feel it's a bit too much [to raise it], he'll address it for you. If there's a problem between two people, he'll bring them together.
"He's that kind of person where even the staff will go to him to sort out issues. He's got no ego when it comes to supporting the team.
"He's a Premier League and Champions League-winning captain and he was doing the sets for the finishing. He's doesn't have to do stuff like that, he's doesn't have to be that humble, but every day he's relentless in training, pushing everyone to be better.
"Some of the lads who haven't played as many minutes had a game against a local team. You watch him and it's like he's playing in an FA Cup final. I don't get how you don't admire that."
Bellingham said those questioning the reasons behind Henderson's selection have got it wrong. He added: "He's a closed character when it comes to the press and that has given them a chance to create a narrative about why he's here. But for us inside, he's the first name on the teamsheet."
The former Liverpool captain is taking part in his seventh major tournament and could become the first England men's player to feature in four World Cup finals. The Three Lions begin their campaign against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday.
