‘The standout’: BBC pundit in awe of Liverpool player who outshone his two partners at the World Cup this weekend

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Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is turning into the unlikely hero for England as they raced into the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Heading into the tournament, Henderson was initially considered a back up player. The likes of Bellingham, Rice and even Kalvin Phillips had been considered among those players in front of him.

However, he has roared back into the picture. He was outstanding against Wales before being given the nod against Senegal last night and opening the scoring.

And watching on for the BBC, former England defender Matty Upson claimed that Henderson had outshone both Bellingham and Rice at times last night, admitting his place in the XI cannot be questioned.

“Henderson is the one selection in the team which could have been up for debate but not now. The midfield three in this match tonight has been the standout for me tonight,” Upson said.

“Henderson has arrived in the box all the time and he had the freedom to do that knowing that Declan Rice was behind him. It’s looked really good in that area of the pitch for England.”

Henderson latched onto a fine pull back from Bellingham to open the scoring. The pair have been seen a lot together over in Qatar, prompting Liverpool fans to think their skipper is convincing the England youngster to join Liverpool.

TBR’s View: Henderson the World Cup surprise

Nobody ever doubted Jordan Henderson in terms of work ethic. He’s always done a job for club and country and can be counted on to produce.

However, few could predict just how good he’d be. He’s still bringing that work rate and fire in the belly performance level to the team. But with it, he’s also adding quality and crucially, a goal now.

Henderson has cemented his place in the XI now. He has to play against France, there is simply no argument.