World Cup 2018: Jordan Henderson injury doubt for England vs Croatia semi-final clash
JORDAN HENDERSON is an injury worry ahead of England's World Cup semi-final against Croatia.
By Ian Murtagh / Published 9th July 2018
World Cup 2018: Jordan Henderson could be a doubt for England on Wednesday
The Liverpool captain came off in the 85th minute of the Three Lions' 2-0 win over Sweden after complaining of a tight hamstring.
And he is now a doubt for England's biggest match since Italia 90 with Eric Dier on standby to replace him in Moscow on Wednesday.
Henderson is desperate to play against Croatia and is keeping his fingers crossed the hamstring responds to treatment.
"I was just a little bit tight before the game so towards the last 20 minutes I just overstretched and I felt it a little bit," he said.
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"It doesn't feel too bad so hopefully it'll be fine"
"But it doesn't feel too bad so hopefully it'll be fine."
England boss Gareth Southgate added: "Hendo was feeling tightness in his hamstring, which was why we made the change.
"We'll just have to assess the bodies."
The midfielder has enjoyed an outstanding tournament and emerged as one of Southgate's key players.
But the 28-year-old is also being hailed as England's lucky mascot and has incredibly gone 30 games in a Three Lions' shirt without losing.
World Cup 2018: Henderson came off in the 85th minute against Sweden
One more would see England in their first World Cup final in 52 years.
"It's hard to put into words," he said after the Three Lions' equalled their best-ever run on foreign soil.
"I'm just so proud of all the lads for how hard we've worked as a team the last few years to get here and to perform at this stage is important to us.
"We are a very close group and that goes a long way in tournament football, when you have to dig in for each other.
"The togetherness is there for all to see, not only the team and first team staff but the whole staff.
"When we are winning, everyone is on the pitch."
Keeper Jordan Pickford bruised his thumb after punching his own knee during the game but insists he will be fine for Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Jamie Vardy has declared himself 100 per cent fit after recovering from a groin strain.
There were fears the striker could miss the rest of the tournament but sugar injections have had the desired effect and he'll be on the bench in Moscow.
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