England reserve Jordan Henderson was stretchered off the pitch late Sunday night following a freak accident that occurred after his team’s 3-2 round-of-16 victory against Mexico. The incident took place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City as the Three Lions players were celebrating their dramatic win with supporters.
The team had gathered to sing the Oasis classic “Wonderwall,” which serves as their unofficial tournament anthem. During the celebration, England captain Harry Kane climbed over a temporary advertising barrier that stood approximately four feet high. Henderson attempted to follow suit by placing both hands on the barrier to vault over, but he appeared to lose his grip and fell awkwardly. To get exclusive reporting, live Q&As, and ad-free reading, fans are encouraged to follow our ongoing coverage.
England coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed the severity of the incident after the match, noting that the team was left with mixed feelings. “He injured his wrist. He’s at the moment in the hospital, so it’s a quite serious injury. And it just doesn’t fit to the evening that Jordan is now not with us,” Tuchel told reporters. The coach added that he was awaiting further updates from the medical staff.
Harry Kane, who witnessed the fall, immediately signaled for medical assistance. “Hendo just fell over there and I think he’s OK, something to do with his arm,” Kane remarked to the BBC shortly after the crash. The Brentford midfielder was subsequently taken off the field on a stretcher, effectively ending his involvement in the tournament.
Although Henderson did not play in the match against Mexico, he was issued a yellow card in the 98th minute while wearing his warmup vest after involving himself in a touchline altercation between teammate Jude Bellingham and Mexico’s Johan Vasquez. Earlier in the tournament, Henderson had subbed into a group-stage match against Panama, a milestone that made him the first English player to appear in four separate World Cup tournaments.
