TEAMWORK’S THE KEY TO SUCCESS - HENDO
WEARSIDER WOULD LOVE TO EXTEND REMARKABLE RUN IN AN ENGLAND SHIRT TONIGHT
Jordan Henderson is desperate to extend his recordbreaking unbeaten run and help England reach the World Cup final tonight.
Gareth Southgate’s men have ripped up the script over a remarkable a month that now sees them poised for the semi-final clash against Croatia.
It has seen widespread apathy towards the Three Lions replaced by excitement and renewed hope, with previously unheralded players stepping up and better-known names underlining their quality and in some cases changing perceptions.
Wearsider Henderson is among those to have quietened the doubters this summer, with the Liverpool captain shining in a side that is now preparing to line up at the Luzhniki Stadium.
“It’s a special feeling to know that people back home and out here in Russia are enjoying the experience just as much as we are,” the former Sunderland midfielder said.
“All the celebrations and the songs they’re singing back home, it inspires us as players to be able to sort of bring the nation together and put smiles on people’s faces.
“I think that’s the biggest thing so far to come out of it and we just want to continue doing everybody proud.”
There is no doubt that pride has been restored regardless of the outcome tonight, when Henderson’s selection is a good omen.
The 28-year-old has not tasted defeat in an England shirt since the last World Cup four years ago, going on a 30-match unbeaten run that is the longest of any player in the country’s history.
“Someone mentioned it the other day to us,” Henderson said with a smile. “But, to be honest, I wouldn’t really look too much into it because I don’t win on my own. We win as a team.
“Just as much as if I played and we lost every match, I don’t think it would be my fault either. Of course, I want to win. We want to win as a team. But it’s not down to any individual or one player.”
That focus on collective success over individual achievement has been key to England’s success this summer, putting them within touching distance of joining the heroes of 1966 as the only team to make a World Cup final.
Henderson takes “a lot of good things from the past in terms of ’66 and what they achieved then” but is not getting ahead of himself given the threat posed by Croatia.
The England regular spoke highly of fellow midfielders Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic along with Liverpool team-mate Dejan Lovren.
“I’ll obviously speak to the forwards and tell them what I think,” Henderson said. “But, at the end of the day, Dejan is a fantastic defender.
“I think he’s had his fair share of criticism over the last year or so, but he’s done so well over the last six months, really, especially after the start of the season.
“For me, he’s got everything a centre-half needs: he’s aggressive, good in the air, can play out from the back, good on the ball and he’s a real leader as well, which is massive as a defender, always talking.
“I’m so pleased for him because he’s a great person. A great character off the field and in the dressing room.”