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England midfielder Jordan Henderson has strongly defended teammate Jude Bellingham, emphasizing the young player's crucial role and often misunderstood influence on the team. Henderson described the 22-year-old Real Madrid star as having the "X-factor" and being a "big-game player" with significant experience in major tournaments.

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I know a lot gets written in the media, and I find it hard to read sometimes, because I just know how big an influence he is on this team, how good a teammate he is off the field and what he gives us is just something really special.

Bellingham has become a focal point for England, with his performances and demeanor frequently dissected by media and fans. Henderson acknowledged the intense scrutiny but asserted that Bellingham's contributions extend beyond what is often reported. "I know a lot gets written in the media, and I find it hard to read sometimes, because I just know how big an influence he is on this team, how good a teammate he is off the field and what he gives us is just something really special," Henderson told reporters.

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I think he really gives us the X-factor. He's had big moments in his career. He's a big-game player. He's got experience in tournaments, so he's a huge, huge player for us in this tournament.

Henderson, who is preparing for his fourth World Cup, also reflected on his own inclusion in the squad. Selected for his seventh major tournament, he acknowledged the rarity of such an achievement and the need to value every opportunity. Manager Thomas Tuchel's decision to select the 35-year-old Henderson over younger midfielders has drawn some attention, but Henderson stated Tuchel advised him to "be myself, regardless how much I'm playing."

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If you ask any player in the group, they'll tell you how much of a good teammate he is, how well he trains. I know he's young, but he's very mature in his head.

The veteran midfielder also commented on facing Croatia's Luka Modric, a player he holds in high regard. Henderson acknowledged the challenge Modric presents but expressed confidence in England's ability to compete. "He's a top world-class player, so hard to play against, hopefully he doesn't perform as well as we know he can against us, but I haven't seen him have a bad game yet, so it'll be a difficult test, of course, for whoever plays in midfield," Henderson said.

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to be myself, regardless how much I'm playing, whether I'm playing every game, whether I'm not playing as much, just to be myself and enjoy being back in the squad.