World Cup 2018: Tournament's 5 Most Unexpected Stars

Jordan Henderson

Sweden v England: Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

We know, we know. We’re in a little bit of shock here, too, but Jordan Henderson has been absolutely pivotal to the England team at this year’s World Cup.

The Liverpool captain has often been a target of mockery from rival fans at both club and international level, and even many an England fan has often been found slapping their forehead in disbelief when seeing Hendo lining up in the midfield. Credit where credit’s due, though, for the former Sunderland player has arguably been England’s most important player in Russia.

While the headlines have largely been about Harry Kane (and Harry Maguire!), and praise has been plentiful for attacking options like Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli, Henderson has quietly gone about his business, doing the basic, fundamental work that has kept this England team ticking.

For all of England’s attention-grabbing heroes throughout the World Cup, few can match the impact of the innocuous, under-the-radar Henderson.