Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is expected to start over Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham for England tomorrow night against Wales.
That’s reported by Sky Sports. They suggest this could be the case because the Reds captain is set to join Gareth Southgate for the Three Lions’ pre-match news conference later this evening.
The 32-year-old is thus expected to start alongside Declan Rice in the middle of the park.
Wales face an uphill battle in their quest to make the last 16 of the tournament, following a 2-0 defeat to Iran. They need to beat England to go through, whilst Southgate’s side will qualify unless they lose the game by a four-goal deficit.
Henderson to start vs Wales
With the emergence of the 19-year-old superstar in the Three Lions XI, Henderson now starting in England’s final group game comes as a major surprise.
Failing to grace the pitch against Iran, the 32-year-old made a 21-minute cameo against the United States.
Now, despite being lavished as one of the nation’s best players at the tournament thus far, Bellingham is set to be benched against Wales.
After an up-and-down season for the Liverpool skipper, there wasn’t much of a likelihood that he would play a major role out in Qatar.
Both Rice and Bellingham have been deemed more progressive options in the middle of the park, and with transfer links with the Reds, it seems the Anfield hierarchy are looking to replace the club captain with one of these youngsters.
Either way, Henderson starting for England is huge for the Merseyside hero. He will have the opportunity to prove himself on the world’s biggest stage, putting such criticism from rival fans to bed.
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