Jordan Henderson shows true colours Sunderland know already after horror injury

The expectation is that he will be ruled out for the rest of the World Cup with a suspected broken arm after a peculiar incident where he slipped and tumbled while trying to jump over the advertising hoardings at the Azteca Stadium.

Given Henderson's career and accomplishments, he will be furious with himself as this is probably his final World Cup.

However, the 36-year-old's significance to the squad and this England side cannot be underestimated.

That's why reports that Henderson, if physically able, would prefer to rejoin the camp to support his teammates will be warmly welcomed. Not only that but it demonstrates the veteran's genuine character and his selflessness to prioritise others above himself.

The former Sunderland man is a natural leader. He showed those capabilities and traits coming through the Academy of Light and was then named as Steven Gerrard's successor as Liverpool captain - big shoes to fill.

He might not be everyone's favourite player but you would be hard-pressed to find someone with his level of professionalism and alongside Harry Kane, he establishes the benchmark for the rest of the England squad to match.

Following such a dreadful moment and experience like that, it would be understandable if Henderson wanted to head home to be with his family.

Admittedly, it's not an ACL or broken leg but it must weigh heavily considering England were in the middle of marking such a momentous achievement and evening. It speaks volumes that Henderson was actually the first player to sprint from the bench to join his teammates in celebration.

He lives every moment of the game from the touchline, which explains why he has already picked up two yellow cards at this tournament despite featuring for just six minutes throughout the entire World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel was equally downbeat in his press conference, visibly troubled by the incident and the very real prospect that it could rob Henderson of any further involvement at this World Cup.

England need to keep him close to the squad because he is a steadying influence on those around him, which is why it comes as a huge relief, though hardly a surprise, to learn that Henderson's top priority is to return to camp and continue contributing to the team in whatever capacity he can.

He has all the hallmarks of a future coach, and this experience may well give him a genuine insight into what life could look like from the other side of the touchline.

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