‘I almost don’t want to make it too big!’: Jordan Henderson wary of putting pressure on Jude Bellingham… but backs ‘incredible’ Dortmund midfielder to play ‘big role’ for England at Qatar World Cup Mug
Jordan Henderson suggests Jude Bellingham “will have a big part to play” for England in Qatar this winter, but is wary of burying the Borussia Dortmund star under pressure.
Bellingham, 19, was a rare standout for England in an international break that saw them relegated from their Nations League group after defeat to Italy and then retained at Wembley by Germany.
Bellingham’s rise over the past 12 months looks set to solidify a central role in Gareth Southgate’s plans, but Henderson, who has been acting as a mentor to the teenager, wants to make sure Bellingham isn’t weighed down by the weight of expectations. .
Jordan Henderson (right) is wary of burying Jude Bellingham (left) under the weight of expectations
The 19-year-old was man of the match at Wembley and looks set to start at the World Cup.
“I like Jude, I think he’s an amazing player,” Henderson told the Mirror, speaking at a McDonald’s Fun Football event in Liverpool.
“He is a fantastic professional and his mindset is really key to his development.
‘I almost don’t want to make him too big because he’s still a young boy! There will be a lot of pressure on him at a young age, but of course he is a great player and I am sure he will have a big role to play in Qatar.”
With Kalvin Phillips hampered by injury, Bellingham now looks like a pick nailed alongside Declan Rice for England’s World Cup opener against Iran on November 21.
Bellingham was England’s best player in Monday night’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Germany.
The 19-year-old has almost certainly worked his way into Gareth Southgate’s starting squad.
“Every time I play with Jude, we’re building that connection and I tell him, ‘Go bomb and do your attacking stuff and I’ll sit here and defend for you.'”
“So we’re having a good connection, it’s great to play with him,” Rice said after the 3-3 draw with Germany.
‘Hopefully it continues to flourish. It is the future of English football for the next 15 years.’
Rice added: “He’s a man, you can see that when he plays for Dortmund. As a 19-year-old, you’re normally afraid to talk to the referee, but he’s in the referee’s face demanding answers, demanding decisions and he’s left on the pitch. constantly.
Declan Rice and Bellingham are starting to form a positive partnership in the center of midfield.
‘He really pushes you on the field. We push each other and it’s a privilege to play alongside him.
Bellingham has already appeared in 144 games at domestic club level and has 17 senior England caps and counting.
He started both games against Italy and Germany and can offer so much dynamism in midfield that he has drawn the attention of Henderson and Rice.
So far this Bundesliga season, he ranks first overall in duels won, matchups completed and possession gained in the middle third.
