Jordan Henderson suffered a freak injury after falling over advertising hoardings while celebrating England’s 3-2 win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
England lead 2-0 in the first half thanks to a double by Jude Bellingham, but Jarell Quansah was sent off in a wild second half as a 10-man rearguard action clung on through an onslaught from the Mexicans.
But England’s joy was sullied by Henderson’s injury. The players went over towards their own fans to sing “Wonderwall” as they have after all of their World Cup wins, but as Henderson climbed back over the hoardings on to the pitch, he fell on his arm and stayed down in pain.
Medics attended to the midfielder before carrying him back to the England dressing room on a stretcher, and later hospital for further treatment, and Henderson’s World Cup could now be over. It is understood he did not travel back to Kansas City with the rest of the England squad and instead stayed in Mexico City with a member of England medical staff.
Thomas Tuchel told ITV: “Not good, not good. Jordan fell over and injured his wrist, it looks really bad.”
Henderson made one appearance in the group stage, coming on as a second-half substitute against Panama. He did not play against Mexico although he was booked in the second half after getting involved in an altercation while warming up on the sideline.
Jude Bellingham added: “He’s in a bit of bother, but our medical team have got everything under control. Probably best for me not to say too much. We’re there to support him.”
It was otherwise a famous night for Tuchel’s side. Mexico had only lost two competitive games at the Azteca in 89 matches since 1966 but England deserved to make it three.
After the game was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms, Mexico attacked from the start backed by their fanatical support who raised the decibel level even higher than in their earlier matches at their home fortress, but England held firm and managed to take the sting out of the game.
Bellingham put England ahead with a diving header from Bukayo Saka’s fine cross just past the half-hour and made it 2-0 within two minutes after another break down the right with captain Harry Kane providing the centre.
The Mexican crowd responded with chants of “Yes we can” and their players responded when livewire winger Julian Quinones volleyed home inside the box after a scramble following a free kick to get the hosts back into the match.
They got further encouragement after the break when England defender Quansah was sent off for a rash challenge. The visitors kept their cool, though, and after Anthony Gordon was fouled by the keeper on the hour, Kane calmly scored from the spot.
Just as England looked to enjoy some breathing space, captain Kane gave away a penalty as he tried to clear the ball and after a VAR review the referee pointed to the spot. Raul Jimenez stepped up to make it 3-2 and give Mexico hope again.
With just over 20 minutes to go England had their backs to the wall and had to dig deep to keep the Mexicans at bay. Despite giving up most of the possession, they hung on for a famous victory in the last match of this World Cup in Mexico.
It was England’s first visit to the famous stadium since they lost to Argentina in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals after Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal and mazy dribble through a hapless defence sank Bobby Robson’s side.
