MODRIC EVENTUALLY GETS BETTER OF HENDERSON

WHEN rumours emerged that Jordan Henderson’s hamstring injury would potentially rule him out of the semifinal, England held its collective breath. Nobody could have expected the Liverpool midfielder would become so important for England at a World Cup. Luka Modric, who may be the best player at this tournament, and Ivan Rakitic have been dominating midfields throughout the tournament, which has been integral to Croatia’s progression. It was vital that England won the battle in the middle of the pitch and nullified their influence. For 55 minutes, things were going very well for England. However, as the game wore on, Croatia managed to turn things around and Kieran Trippier’s early goal was cancelled out by Ivan Perisic. England were being outplayed in the middle of the pitch as Croatia eventually learned that if they quickly switch the ball there is only so much ground that Henderson could cover. For all the hard work in the opening hour to keep Modric so quiet, Henderson and England had to eventually succumb to the Real Madrid midfielder’s prowess. Henderson’s role in this side may never get the appreciation it deserves, but make no mistake, England’s run which ended in the semifinals may not have been had it not been for Henderson’s vital role in Southgate’s system which has finally given England an identity again. – The Independent