Stats no help to Henderson
IN the grand tradition of hard-nosed midfielders through the ages, Jordan Henderson is taking no nonsense.
Nor is he interested in maintaining any friends.
Hence, he is not entertaining the remarkable statistic of his recent England career or caring too much about the fortunes of Liverpool team-mate Dejan Lovren once they step over the white line on opposite sides tonight.
It will be the 31st time Henderson has played for England since the debacle of the 2014 World Cup.
On none of those 30 previous occasions has he finished on the losing side – a record run for a Three Lions international.
“Someone mentioned the statistic the other day,” said Henderson. “But, to be honest, I wouldn’t look too much into it because I don’t win on my own.
“We win as a team. Just as much as if I’d played and lost every match, it wouldn’t be my fault either.
“I want to win. We want to win as a team. But it’s not down to one individual. It’s what we do behind the scenes, all the hard work to get here, the hard work and whole squad, even people who aren’t here but have chipped in to get us here.
“The biggest thing for me is to continue to win.” His presence in the team may not guarantee England a win but a strong performance by him against Croatia playmaker Luka Modric will go a long way to help.
“I can’t tell you our plan,” said Henderson. “I’ve played Modric a few times – he’s a world-class player, one of the best I’ve played against.
“Hopefully he has a quiet night and we’ll try our best to make sure that happens.”
However, it is only when his close friendship with the Croatia centre-back Lovren is brought up that Henderson reveals the true strength of his character.
“He’s a great person and character so I’m pleased for him that he’s in a semi-final,” said Henderson. “I’m very close to him at Liverpool and wish him all the best. But hopefully that journey ends here.”
Just so long as the England fans following at home end the night with smiles on their faces.
“It’s a special feeling to know people back home and here are enjoying the experience as much as we are,” said Henderson.
“All the celebrations inspire us as players to bring the nation together and put smiles on people’s faces. That’s the biggest thing so far. We want to continue doing everybody proud.”