Jordan Henderson’s dazzling finish was not just the pivotal moment in England’s World Cup win over Senegal, but vindication of manager Gareth Southgate’s sure touch in the squad selection.
Henderson has been a lightning rod for critics ready to slam Southgate’s perceived conservatism, but if one pick showed the England manager’s invaluable ability to silence the noise and focus on the demands of tournament football, it was his decision to stick to Liverpool’s 32 years. -former captain.
Needless to say, the court of opinion on social media was vocal in its condemnation of the pick ahead of the game, but Southgate is impervious to such outside influence and Henderson was at the center of a 3-0 win which sets the stage for a quarter-final with France on Saturday. .
When England were struggling against USA in the group stage, Southgate ignored those of us who thought Manchester City’s Phil Foden was the answer and called on Henderson to take back control with his vast experience. He did the job, then did it again in the 3-0 win that sent Wales home as England topped their group.
Henderson may not have the so-called ‘X-factor’ of many around him in the England squad, but as former Liverpool manager Bob Paisley said: ‘You need someone ‘one to carry the piano before someone else can play it.”
It’s a quality and team ethic that Southgate recognizes in Henderson and why he’ll start again against France. The way he, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice combine in midfield now seems like an unbreakable bond.
Southgate said: “Jordan has been outstanding. He’s such a leader. He unites the team and around camp he’s brilliant. His performances have been top notch.”
Henderson’s game intelligence does indeed allow those like Bellingham to flourish and it was significant that the 19-year-old pointed to his more experienced team-mate to demand applause and recognition after he combined for the first goal in England.
Former England defender Matthew Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Henderson is the only selection up for debate, but not now. Midfield three in this game was the standout for me. Henderson came into the box all the time and he had the freedom to do it knowing that Declan Rice was behind him.”
Bellingham said: “He was brilliant. I saw some of the rubbish about him. It’s ridiculous. He’s so underrated technically. He played a big game with a huge goal. I think he’s time for him to get some respect.”
Another member of England’s young squad, Foden, added: “Jordan is huge. When someone doesn’t do something right on the pitch, they don’t hesitate to report you. I don’t mind. C he’s a leader and captain of his club and has it in his locker.”
Henderson’s inclusion was one of the elements of a Southgate squad selection that drew much comment in and around Al Bayt Stadium when the squad was announced, but those of us who raised an eyebrow – maybe even two – have to accept that he understood it perfectly.
And respect, too, must go to Southgate for once again showing singularity of purpose to stick with what he believed to get the right result.
Marcus Rashford’s two goals against Wales might have convinced other managers to make the populist choice and choose the Manchester United striker, but he returned to the bench and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka returned . Foden also kept his place with Raheem Sterling out to take care of the following a burglary at his family home in London.
Foden scored two goals. Saka scored one. Southgate got it right.
Southgate are now experienced in the art of tournament management having reached the semi-final of the World Cup in 2018 and the final of Euro 2020. When they lacked momentum and were relegated from their UEFA Nations League group Southgate revealed he had reflected on those struggles and decided it was time to be ruthless.
This is reflected in the teams he chooses. He shuts out the noise from elsewhere, builds his team throughout the tournament, and that measured approach produces a group that is a growing threat.
England’s midfield triumvirate of Henderson, Rice and Bellingham look perfectly balanced with captain Harry Kane’s top three, now only one behind Wayne Rooney’s international record 53 after his goal here, is the perfect pivot for Foden and Saka in wide positions.
It’s a telling stat that all 12 of England’s goals in four games at this World Cup have come from eight players as Southgate maneuvered his side expertly.
Southgate now faces another selection conundrum ahead of meeting France, with Kylian Mbappe in sensational form and no doubt noting Harry Maguire’s early struggles against the Senegalese pace.
Will Southgate risk upsetting the fine balance he has achieved in this England side by using an extra defender, using three at the back as insurance and trusting the pace of Kyle Walker to somehow master? from another the high-heeled Mbappe?
The smart money must surely be on England naming an unchanged squad after this aggregate win.
It’s another pressure point for Southgate and his team, but the reassuring fact for England fans is that he got the big call-ups against Senegal. We must entrust him with doing the same thing again on Saturday evening.
