Jordan Henderson has defended Jude Bellingham against recent criticism, insisting the Real Madrid midfielder remains a crucial asset for England heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Speaking from England's training base in Kansas City, Henderson acknowledged that he struggles to engage with media coverage surrounding Bellingham. "I find it hard to read sometimes really because I just know how big an influence he is on this team, how good a team-mate he is off the field," the Brentford midfielder said.

Bellingham has faced scrutiny over some of his recent England performances and previously described himself as a "scapegoat" within the camp. Henderson, however, dismissed much of the narrative as inaccurate. "A lot of it is actually untrue," the 35-year-old said. "For us, we know what he can do and we all love him inside the camp."

A bond built over six years

Henderson recalled presenting Bellingham with his first England cap six years ago and spoke with admiration about how much the 22-year-old has developed. "How much he has grown as a player and person since then is incredible really," he said. "What he has done so far at such a young age — I think everybody forgets how young he is, even me sometimes."

The former Liverpool captain was selected in Thomas Tuchel's squad largely for his leadership, and that experience has given him a close vantage point on Bellingham's character. "If you ask any player in this group they will tell you how much of a good team-mate he is, how well he trains," Henderson added.

More than just a star player

Henderson pointed to Bellingham's behaviour during England's pre-tournament camp as evidence of his true nature. The Real Madrid star was filmed presenting 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha with his England legacy cap and addressed the squad after Ngumoha made his debut in the 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand.

"How he was in the pre-camp with Rio, Josh King, Alex Scott, Ethan — how he is with the players, nobody sees that," Henderson said. "They all look up to him and he gave Rio his first cap, which gives you a little insight into what he is like behind the scenes."

Despite being one of the youngest members of the squad, Bellingham arrives at this tournament with 48 caps to his name and is preparing to appear at his third major competition. One of the central debates ahead of England's opening Group match against Croatia on Wednesday has been whether Bellingham or Morgan Rogers will line up as the number 10 in Tuchel's system.

Henderson left no doubt about his own assessment. "What he gives us is something really special. He really gives us an X-factor in our team. He has had big moments in his career — he is a big game player."