England are a game away from a World Cup final (you might have heard)
A surprisingly straightforward quarter-final win over Sweden in Samara on Saturday afternoon means they’ll face Croatia on Wednesday night for a place in their first final since 1966. They may, however, be without Jordan Henderson for the game in Moscow.
The Liverpool midfielder was replaced by Eric Dier in the closing stages of the quarter-final, and it’s now emerged he may struggle to be fit to play in the Luzhniki Stadium due to a tight hamstring.
The problem is not thought to be too serious, but England’s medical team will reportedly look to manage his fitness carefully in the buildup to the semi-final so as not to exacerbate the problem.
Despite drawing criticism from some England supporters for his role at the European Championships in France two summers ago, Henderson has established himself as a key player in the current team.
He has started every World Cup game in Russia apart from England’s closing group game against Belgium, in which several key players were rested. The fact that he managed to run more than two kilometres than any other player on the pitch in the last-16 game with Colombia highlights his importance to England’s style of play.
Ahead of the game, Henderson revealed he had been receiving regular text messages from his boss at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp. He told reporters:
“Yeah, [he texts] after games normally, and he’s so happy.
“I just keep seeing texts saying, ‘Yes England! Come on!’ So he’s buzzing that we’re doing well.”
Along with Henderson, Jamie Vardy is also an injury concern for the Three Lions. The Leicester striker appeared as a substitute against Colombia but picked up a groin strain in extra-time, making him unavailable for the game against Sweden.
Gareth Southgate’s team will train at their World Cup base in Repino on Monday, where further updates on the squad’s fitness are expected.
By the time they kick-off on Wednesday evening, one of France or Belgium will already have sealed their place in next Sunday’s final. They meet in Saint Petersburg to contest the other semi-final on Tuesday night.
