“What he gives us is just something really special”: Henderson lauds Bellingham as England’s “X-factor” | OneFootball

Jordan Henderson has defended England teammate Jude Bellingham and said the midfielder gives the Three Lions an 'X-factor'.

Bellingham's place in the England team has been one of the biggest talking points ahead of theWorld Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday.

The Real Madrid midfielder featured in only four of England's eight qualifiers for the tournament, and faces competition from Morgan Rogers for the number ten position.

Bellingham has been open on a mixed relationship with the English media and said he felt like he had beenscapegoated after the failure to win Euro 2024.

Henderson has given his take on Bellingham, and said he 'finds it hard' to read some of the stuff written about the 22-year-old in the media.

Henderson backs Bellingham for big World Cup for England despite media scrutiny

He backed Bellingham to be a 'huge, huge player' for Thomas Tuchel's side at this summer's tournament in North America.

"I can remember six years ago, I gave him his first cap and how much he has grown as a player and person since then is incredible really," said Henderson.

"I had a good idea when I first saw him playing and training and the way he was. What he has done so far at such a young age, I think everybody forgets how young he is, even me sometimes."

"I honestly couldn't speak highly enough of him. I know a lot gets written in the media, I find it hard to read sometimes really because I just know just how big an influence he is on this team, how good a team-mate he is off the field.

"What he gives us is just something really special. He really gives us an X-factor in our team. He has had big moments in his career, he is a big game player.

"He has got experience in tournaments. He is a huge, huge player for us in this tournament."