Jordan Henderson believes England’s togetherness and standards can make a difference at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after the Three Lions came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 and reach the last 16.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were made to work for their place in the next round in Atlanta, with Brian Cipenga giving DR Congo a seventh-minute lead.
And England trailed until the final 15 minutes, when captain Harry Kane headed in Anthony Gordon’s cross to draw the Three Lions level.
Kane then completed the comeback four minutes from time, turning on the edge of the area before firing a powerful finish beyond the impressive Lionel Mpasi. That goal sent England through, knocking out former Bees striker Yoane Wissa.
The result means England will face co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in the last 16 on Monday 6 July (1am kick-off BST).
Henderson, who was named among the substitutes against DR Congo, recently became the England men’s only player to feature at seven major tournaments, having first represented the Three Lions on the international stage in 2010 and at a major tournament at Euro 2012.
And speaking on the latest episode of England’s Lions’ Den, the Brentford midfielder discussed how the environment around the national team has changed since his first major tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
“Euro 2012 was my first tournament, so it was similar to Morgs now,” Henderson said, speaking alongside Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers.
“It was a good experience for me. I got a little bit of game time, but it was a very different environment then.
“There were a lot more experienced players, and it was just a totally different vibe to what it is now.
“I definitely have seen, from my time as an England player, over the course of the last 16 years, that the progression has been huge.
“The biggest progression is probably the culture, the togetherness of the group, and how close the group has got over the years.
“That comes with different tournament experiences and a bit of success when people didn’t expect it. You gain a bit of confidence, especially around Russia, and from there I felt as though we went from strength to strength.”
England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, before making the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
Henderson believes that progress has helped shape the current group, who finished top of Group L at this summer’s World Cup before turning their attention to the knockout rounds.
“I think it is really important in a successful team,” he added, when asked about setting standards and creating the right environment.
“I feel as though we’ve progressed a lot over the last 10 to 15 years with how people want to come to camps and stay in camps.
“Even when it gets to October, November or even March, and you might have played a lot of games, I feel as though everybody wants to be there. Everybody wants to play, regardless of whether it’s friendlies or qualifiers, and I think that’s really important.
“When we’re here, it’s about having the standards set, knowing what’s expected as an England player and what the bare minimum is, which is working hard and being the best version of yourself every day.
“But it’s also about enjoying the journey together, helping each other, and being good people and good team-mates.
“I feel like this group has certainly got that. Over the past four weeks or so since we’ve been together, that has been getting stronger and stronger.
“Hopefully, when it gets close and tight, it can be the difference between getting over the line."
Source: Brentfordfc.com
