Jordan Henderson will require wrist surgery after suffering a freak injury while climbing over an advertising board during England’s celebrations after its 3-2 win over Mexico
17:10, 06 Jul 2026
Jordan Henderson and England's forward #09 Harry Kane celebrate after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Mexico and England
Jordan Henderson requires surgery on his freak wrist injury sustained during England's victory celebrations(Image: AFP )
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is set to miss the remainder of England’s World Cup campaign after being told he requires surgery on a freak wrist injury.
The 36-year-old midfielder landed awkwardly after climbing over an advertising board during celebrations following England’s hard-fought 3-2 victory over Mexico in Mexico City.
It proved an eventful night for Henderson, despite him not featuring for a single minute of the 100-plus played in Mexico City. A Jude Bellingham brace and a Harry Kane penalty were enough to send England through to the World Cup quarter-finals, although goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, along with a red card for Jarell Quansah, ensured a far more nervy finish than expected.
The midfielder was seen lying on the turf in severe pain as teammate Dan Burn urgently signaled for medical assistance. England players quickly formed a protective barrier around Henderson, who was eventually stretchered off the Estadio Azteca pitch and administered oxygen.
The Athletic reported that the Brentford midfielder will require surgery to repair the injury, with a member of England’s medical staff remaining behind in Mexico to accompany him during his treatment.
When asked about Henderson's injury post-match, England manager Thomas Tuchel replied: "I'm sad because Jordan injured his wrist. It's quite serious. He's in hospital. It doesn't fit with the rest of the evening. I don't know the procedure."
Bellingham, who scored twice against the co-hosts to help England reach the quarter-finals, added: "He is in a bit of bother, but our medical team have everything under control. I'm not best to give too much detail as I do not know much going on, but everyone was there to support him."
Dan Burn of England (R) tries to help his teammate Jordan Henderson who was injured amid the celebrations after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Mexico and England
Henderson suffered a freak injury after England's win over Mexico(Image: (Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images))
His only appearance at this World Cup came during the latter stages of England’s comfortable 2-0 victory over Panama in the group stage, a match in which he also reached his 90th international cap. Despite his limited minutes on the pitch, Henderson remained an active presence on the touchline, seen directing and urging teammates through key phases of the match while warming up.
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At one stage, his involvement drew the attention of referee Alireza Faghani, who issued him a yellow card—an unusual booking for a substitute who did not feature in the game.
England ultimately held on through nearly 12 minutes of stoppage time to secure a memorable victory over one of the tournament hosts, sparking jubilant celebrations at full-time.
The squad then celebrated in front of the traveling supporters, singing Oasis’ “Wonderwall,” which has become an unofficial anthem during their run to the last eight. Moments later, as players climbed back over the advertising hoardings, footage showed Henderson slipping on landing and suffering the awkward impact that led to his freak wrist injury.