Henderson has leapt to Bellingham's defence, batting away criticism that's been swirling around the Real Madrid midfielder like a pesky defender closing in on goal. "It's hard to read all the stuff that's being said," Henderson admitted from England's Kansas City training base, his words dripping with conviction.
At just 22, Bellingham has become the focal point of a media storm ahead of England's World Cup opener against Croatia. Despite some lacklustre displays in an England shirt, Henderson insists that perception rarely matches reality within the squad. "I remember giving him his first cap six years ago," he said with a smile, "and the growth he's shown as both a player and person is simply incredible."
Henderson has witnessed Bellingham's metamorphosis up close, having handpicked him for his leadership qualities. "People forget how young he is because of all the big moments he's delivered," Henderson pointed out. He praised Bellingham's impact on the squad, calling it an 'X-factor' that sets them apart. "He's a big-game player who gives us something special," Henderson gushed.
Beyond his playing prowess, Bellingham has taken on a mentorship role within the camp, helping younger players like Rio Ngumoha and Ethan Nwaneri adjust to life with the national team. Henderson even shared an anecdote about how Bellingham presented Ngumoha with his England legacy cap – a small gesture that speaks volumes about their bond.
With 48 caps already under his belt, Bellingham is one of the most experienced players in the squad and set to feature in his third major tournament. Henderson's parting shot was a stark reminder of the media's selective truths: "We know what he can do inside the camp, and we all love him for it."
The debate over whether Bellingham or Morgan Rogers will start as the number 10 against Croatia remains a pressing concern as England fine-tunes its preparations for the tournament.