Jordan Henderson said he finds the media criticism of teammate Jude Bellingham difficult to understand ahead of England's World Cup opener.
As England prepares for its first match in the 2026 [1] tournament, the internal support for key players is critical to maintaining team chemistry under intense global scrutiny. Henderson's defense of the Real Madrid star suggests a desire to shield the young midfielder from external pressure before the competition begins.
Speaking in Kansas City, U.S., on Sunday evening, Henderson addressed the scrutiny surrounding Bellingham. The England squad is preparing to face Croatia on Wednesday [2] for their first match of the competition. Henderson said he disagrees with the narrative currently surrounding his teammate.
"I find it hard to read the criticism that Jude gets," Henderson said [3]. He said "a lot of what's being said is untrue" [4].
Henderson believes Bellingham's individual talent is a primary asset for the national team's success in North America. He described the midfielder as a special talent capable of changing the course of a game.
"He has the X-factor and can be the difference for England," Henderson said [5].
The comments come as England looks to maximize its attacking potential. While the focus remains on the midfield dynamic, other offensive assets are also in form, including Harry Kane, who has scored 60 [6] goals for Bayern Munich.
Henderson's intervention aims to refocus the conversation on Bellingham's contributions rather than the critiques from the press. By labeling him the "X-factor," Henderson positioned Bellingham as the pivotal player who could lead England to a deep run in the 2026 [1] tournament.
“"I find it hard to read the criticism that Jude gets,"”
This public defense by a veteran leader like Henderson serves as a strategic move to stabilize the locker room. By framing the media criticism as inaccurate, Henderson is attempting to protect Bellingham's confidence and mental state, ensuring that England's most creative asset enters the match against Croatia without the burden of negative press.
