LIVE BLOG
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 07: Jordan Henderson of England challenges for the ball with Mats Hummels of Germany during the Group G match between Germany and England at TCF Bank Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
England’s captain Jordan Henderson has come under fire from his coach for his challenge on Mats Hummels which led to the German defender’s red card in their World Cup match against England.
Henderson, who started the match in central midfield, was caught lunging in front of Hummels as the striker prepared to take a goal-kick. The referee, Ravshan Irmatov, adjudged the challenge to be reckless and gave Hummels his marching orders.
The Liverpool midfielder was subsequently substituted in the 68th minute and has come in for criticism from Gareth Southgate, who said he was “wasteful”.
“I thought Jordan made a poor challenge,” Southgate told ITV. “He was a little bit wasteful in that challenge and I think it led to the red card.”
Henderson argued that he had not intended to foul Hummels, and that he had reacted instinctively to the German player’s challenge.
However, Southgate does not appear to be convinced by Henderson’s explanation and believes the Liverpool player could have done better.
“I think he could have done better,” Southgate said. “It was a poor challenge and it led to a red card.”
Henderson has been a mainstay of England’s midfield over the past few years, and his omission from the starting lineup against Tunisia last month led to speculation that he could be dropped for the World Cup.
However, he returned to the starting lineup against Germany and impressed with his defensive work.
England now face Belgium in their next match, and Henderson will hope to put his challenge against Hummels behind him and contribute to the hosts’ bid for a first World Cup title.