Featured Image Credit: Alamy & ITV
Topics: Jude Bellingham, England, Senegal, Football World Cup, Jordan Henderson
Josh Lawless
Topics: Jude Bellingham, England, Senegal, Football World Cup, Jordan Henderson
Jude Bellingham fired back at those who don't give Jordan Henderson his flowers and said it was "about time" people started respecting him.
Bellingham set up Henderson for the opening goal in England's 3-0 World Cup round of 16 victory over Senegal, sliding in a cut-back for the Liverpool captain to finish smarly with his left-foot.
Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka both added to the scoring after fine assists from Phil Foden as England set up a quarter-final showdown with holders France.
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Bellingham was again the stand-out performer and continued to enhance his reputation with a sensational performance in the middle of the park.
But the 19-year-old had some seriously high praise for Henderson, who he celebrated with after they combined for the first goal.
There was a negative reaction to the former Sunderland man getting the nod for the second consecutive game but Bellingham branded it "rubbish" and hailed his teammate.
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"Brilliant performance today, I've seen some of the rubbish about him playing," Bellingham told ITV post-match."It's ridiculous. He is so underrated technically and he's delivered again in a big game with a massive goal. It's time he got a bit of respect."
Like against Wales, Henderson sat a little deeper in midfield alongside Declan Rice at times and that allowed Bellingham to play in a more advanced role.
It worked a treat and the Borussia Dortmund ace was instrumental in England's two goals in the first half with his driving from midfield.
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Gareth Southgate described the pair's performances as "outstanding", praising their ability to turn over possession quickly and singling out Henderson for his leadership skills.
"I thought Jude and Hendo were outstanding in that aspect of the game," Southgate told ITV.
"Well they're both forward-thinking, forward running midfield players. Hendo doesn't get many goals for us but I think he's been outstanding.
"He knits the team together. He has been outstanding around the camp, he is a real leader. His performances have been top drawer for us."
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England will now play France next Saturday at the Al Bayt Stadium in what will be their toughest test so far. The last meeting between the two sides was a friendly in 2017 where France won 3-2.