World Cup 2018: Jordan Henderson is as important as Harry Kane for England and must start Belgium match
Once deemed boring and one-dimensional, Henderson has developed into the pivot for both Liverpool and the Three Lions through which everything happens
England look set to rest Jordan Henderson against Belgium, with Eric Dier expected take his place for their final World Cup group game.
While Harry Kane is set to continue in his relentless pursuit of the Golden Boot, the Liverpool captain is likely to take a place on the bench.
However, in my humble opinion, this is the first mistake Gareth Southgate has made in Russia at this tournament.
Yes, Kane is the figurehead and his five goals mean he is the poster boy of the ‘It’s Coming Home’ brigade.
But I firmly believe Henderson has been released from the shackles of mediocrity to become England’s most important player.
Statistically, he has been excellent in both games.
Against Tunisia, he completed 84% of his 64 passes, had a 100% tackle success rate and a 100% aerial dual rate.
In the Panama game, he didn’t give the ball away once, had a 100% tackle success rate yet again and managed to run a kilometre further than anyone else on the pitch.
But his role as the pivot in front of the defence in the Three Lions’ revitalised side is so much more than statistics, and goes far beyond the naked eye.
Labelled boring by far too many armchair critics, fans fail to notice it is Henderson driving Southgate’s side forward with his probing passes.
Like a good boxer uses his jab, the 28-year-old manoeuvres the ball calmly and in an assured manner to get his team into far more opportune positions.
And when the opportunity presents itself, the former Sunderland man uses his excellent passing range to release his far more mobile and attack-minded teammates in those advanced positions they were able to occupy.
He demands the very best from his teammates as well – when Kyle Walker and John Stones began passing the ball idly between themselves, it was Henderson who ran back and demanded they start another attack.
It was the 85th minute and they were 6-1 up.
When he was appointed Liverpool captain in 2015, he initially wilted in the shadow of his almighty predecessor Steven Gerrard.
However, he has grown into the role to become the focal point of Jurgen Klopp’s side in much the same way he has with Southgate’s.
Shortly before John Stones’ second goal, it is Henderson who organises the England players into position before springing a well-executed attack.
As Southgate’s voice on the pitch, the 28-year-old can go on doing his ‘dirty work’ under the radar, happy to let Kane grab the limelight and the pressure – a burden he relishes.
As England progress in this tournament, they will need players like Henderson.
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Players who are selfless, willing to get on the ball and play, players who will follow orders diligently for the good of the team are invaluable in knockout football.
Although giving him a rest of course has massive advantages, the importance of momentum at these finals is crucial.
Too often at major tournaments, the Three Lions have born greater resemblance to donkeys.
With Henderson in the side, that is highly unlikely to happen.
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