FIFA World Cup 2026 — Jude Bellingham can be England’s ‘X-factor’, says Jordan Henderson

Jude Bellingham can be England’s ‘X-factor’ at the World Cup as Thomas Tuchel’s men chase a first major trophy in 60 years, Jordan Henderson said on Sunday.

England are among the favorites for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States after a series of near misses at recent European Championships and World Cups.

Speaking at the base in Kansas City in England, Henderson tipped fellow midfielder Bellingham (22) that he would have a «big impact» in the coming weeks.

The former Liverpool star said Real Madrid’s Bellingham has made huge progress since making his international debut as a 17-year-old in 2020.

“How much he has grown since then as a player and as a person is incredible,” said Henderson.

“I had a good idea when I first saw him playing and training and the way he was. But what he has done so far at such a young age, I think everyone forgets how young he is, even me sometimes.”

The Brentford player added: «I honestly couldn’t speak highly enough of him. I know there’s a lot written in the media. I find it hard to read sometimes because I just know how big an influence he has on this team, how good a teammate he is off the pitch.»

“And what he gives us is just something very special. I think he really gives us the X-factor in our team.

«He has had big moments in his career. He is a big player. He has experience in tournaments. So he is a huge player for us in this tournament.»

England face a tough test against Croatia in the Group L opener in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday.

Henderson admitted Croatia, who finished second at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and third in Qatar in 2022, would present a tough test avoiding the threat of fellow veteran Luka Modric, who is 40.

“For me, he’s probably the best I’ve played against in midfield in my career,” he said. “I think his career speaks for itself.

“I think he’s a top, world-class player, so difficult to play against… I’m a big fan of his and hopefully he doesn’t perform as well as we know he can against us.”

England’s other opponents in Group L are Ghana and Panama.

Published on June 15, 2026