Henderson’s inclusion in the England World Cup squad at 35 has also drawn critics, but Bellingham was quick to return the favour by defending the veteran’s role. The Real Madrid star claimed detractors “don’t have a clue what they are talking about”, labelling Henderson the “glue” of the squad. Henderson himself has focused on the chemistry forged during a warm-weather camp in Florida, where he watched Bellingham mentor youngsters like Rio Ngumoha.
“It’s important to make sure the culture and the environment off the pitch is good, of course, but I don’t feel like that’s down to one person,” Henderson explained. “I feel that’s down to everyone. Everybody’s got a role to play and that’s been a big thing for this squad, especially leading up to this tournament, to be a very, very good team-mate whether you’re playing, coming on, not playing.”
