Jordan Henderson: Jude Bellingham can be England's 'X-factor' at World Cup

Jordan Henderson reckons Jude Bellingham can be England’s “X-factor” at the World Cup after launching a staunch defence of the Black Country star’s character.

The midfield veteran said it was sometimes “hard to read” criticism aimed at Stourbridge-born Bellingham in the media - insisting much of it was unfair.

Bellingham last week claimed to have felt like a “scapegoat” after England were beaten by Spain at Euro 2024.

Henderson reckons the 22-year-old Real Madrid ace brings something special to the Three Lions.

He said: "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."

Bellingham is preparing for his third major tournament having made his international debut aged just 17.

Henderson explained how the Blues academy product shows leadership qualities by helping the younger members of Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

"If you ask any player in this group they will tell you how much of a good team-mate he is, how well he trains," said Henderson.

"I know he is young but he also helps young players, new players that come in. How he was in the pre-camp with Rio (Ngumoha), Josh King, Alex Scott, Ethan (Nwaneri) - how he is with the players, nobody sees that.

"They all look up to him and he gave Rio (Ngumoha) his first cap which gives you a little insight to what he is like behind the scenes.

"I do think that a lot of the media and the stuff that gets written isn't all true to be honest, a lot of it is actually untrue.

"For us, we know what he can do and we all love him inside the camp and I suppose that's the main thing."

Bellingham is battling with fellow Black Country star and childhood pal Morgan Rogers for a starting place in Wednesday’s Group L opener against Croatia.

Henderson says both have a major role to play at the tournament, regardless of who gets the nod.

“The media are going to highlight certain roles. For us it’s not about whether you are starting or coming on, everyone has a role to play,” he said.

“They are two top players that I certainly wouldn’t want to be playing against, they’re good in/out of possession, athletic, physical, can score, they have everything in their locker to produce everything for us as a team.

“The good thing for us is they are very close, known each other since they were young, they will support each other. They both have a big, big role to play.”