Jude Bellingham believes Jordan Henderson deserves far more respect after the England midfielders both shone in the last-16 win over Senegal.
The Three Lions set up a quarter-final clash against France with a 3-0 win, as Henderson finished from a Bellingham cut-back before Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka made sure of the result on a comfortable night.
Henderson did not start the opening two matches of the World Cup in Qatar but came in against Wales and kept his place for the match against Senegal, with Mason Mount among those having to settle for a place on the bench.
There were questions ahead of the game over Henderson’s inclusion, but Bellingham hit out at any criticism of his team-mate and praised what the Liverpool captain brings to the England side.
“Brilliant performance today,” Bellingham said of his midfield partner’s display.
“I see some of the rubbish that was said about him playing and stuff like that. It’s ridiculous.
“He’s so under-rated technically, and he’s delivered again in a big game with a massive goal, so I think it’s time he gets a bit of respect.”
It was Bellingham himself who was getting most of the praise from his team-mates, with Phil Foden revealing he expects he will go on to become the best midfielder in the world.
Saka also hailed the teenager, with Arsenal’s 21-year-old for once taking on the role of elder statesman as he discussed Bellingham’s ongoing influence for England.
“I always say he’s the future but he’s the present as well,” Saka said.
“He’s unbelievable, he’s everywhere tonight and in the previous three games. I hope he can just keep it up.
