Jordan Henderson stretchered off with freak injury after England's World Cup win
Jordan Henderson was stretchered off the pitch after suffering a freak injury in the aftermath of England's 3-2 win over Mexico in the last 16 of the World Cup
England and ex-Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson was carried off on a stretcher following a freak injury just moments after the final whistle against Mexico. Wild scenes of jubilation erupted after the Three Lions sealed a 3-2 triumph in a remarkable match at the Azteca Stadium.
A rapid brace from Jude Bellingham and a Harry Kane penalty proved sufficient to book England's place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway.
Following the conclusion of what will undoubtedly go down as an all-time World Cup classic, the entire England squad flooded onto the pitch to celebrate with the travelling fans. Henderson, who was an unused substitute, was right in the midst of the festivities but took a tumble while attempting to clamber over the pitchside electronic advertising boards.
It was immediately apparent that Henderson had sustained a serious injury, with medical staff rushing to his aid without delay.
The experienced midfielder was seen being given oxygen before being stretchered from the field. As he departed the pitch, several of his England colleagues gathered around him to shield him from the prying eyes of the world's media.
BBC presenter Kelly Cates said: "He did fall over the advertising hoardings. That's what we think happened. He looked like he was getting some oxygen as he was stretchered off the pitch."
England captain Kane was questioned about the Henderson incident during his post-match interview and appeared to indicate that his teammate had not been hurt, just moments before he was stretchered away. "Yeah, Hendo just fell over there," said Kane.
"I think he's OK. Something to do with his arm."
Bellingham subsequently revealed that Henderson had been seen by England's medical staff and was receiving attention away from the pitch.
The unfortunate incident followed the Three Lions' victory in a pulsating encounter that featured five goals, two penalties, a red card and plenty of tension throughout.
When asked about his side's display, England manager Thomas Tuchel said: "Very proud. We needed everything. It was super difficult. In the moments we thought we catch the momentum, we had setbacks. That is proper mentality.
"This team really mean it. When the going gets tough, they never give up, they never lose belief. It was one step more.
"We need to take this in. This is Azteca, it's Mexico, a crazy game. We left everything out there, every single one of us. We need to take this in, now it's full steam ahead."