England’s World Cup win over Mexico proved to be a bittersweet experience for their players, manager and staff.
Thomas Tuchel inspired England to a 3-2 win over Mexico in their World Cup round-of-16 encounter at the Estadio Azteca as history was made on multiple fronts.
Not only did the Three Lions dent their hosts’ formidable record at the stadium with only their third defeat in the past 50 games, but also exorcised the ghosts of 1986.
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England’s options to replace Jordan Henderson revealed
However, their joy was somewhat punctured shortly after the final whistle when popular squad member Jordan Henderson suffered a freak injury while vaulting over an advertising board.
The Brentford midfielder, who had also received a booking despite being an unused substitute in the tie, was given oxygen and had to be carried off on a stretcher.
Henderson was transported to hospital for assessment on a suspected wrist injury while his teammates returned to their Kansas City base ahead of facing Norway.
It has been confirmed by The Athletic that the 36-year-old will now require surgery on his hand, which is guaranteed to end his involvement in this summer’s tournament.
Although Henderson has only played a small part in England’s campaign with a solitary appearance off the bench, he is a key man behind the scenes and is seen as a unifying figure, but he is unable to be replaced despite the injury.
FIFA rules prevent teams from covering absences in their squad unless submitted before their opening group match, which would have been the Croatia game on 17 June.
Tuchel already had to make one enforced change ahead of the tournament’s start as Tino Livramento was replaced with Trevoh Chalobah after suffering a calf injury.
Tuchel could have more absences for the crucial quarter final encounter with Norway as Jarell Quansah, was sent off against Mexico, and Reece James was sidelined early in the World Cup campaign and is managing an injury.
The only exception to the rule by world football’s governing body is goalkeepers, who can be replaced at any time in the tournament should a medical issue arise.
It means England will have to go into their quarter-final showdown in Miami, and potentially beyond, with one less available option in their current 25-man squad.