'Hard to read' Bellingham criticism - Henderson

England's Jordan Henderson says he finds it "hard to read" what is written about Jude Bellingham but believes the midfielder can be the team's "X-factor" at the World Cup.

England midfielder Jordan Henderson has come to the defense of teammate Jude Bellingham, saying he finds the criticism directed at the 19-year-old "hard to read" and insisting the youngster can be the team's "X-factor" at the World Cup. Speaking to reporters, Henderson expressed his frustration with the negative press surrounding Bellingham. "I find it hard to read what is written about Jude. He's only 19, but he's already shown incredible maturity and quality for both Borussia Dortmund and England. The criticism is unfair." Bellingham has been a standout performer for England in World Cup qualifiers, but recent inconsistent form at club level has drawn some scrutiny. Henderson, however, believes such criticism overlooks the natural ups and downs of a young player's development. "Every player goes through ups and downs. It's how you respond that matters. Jude has a top mentality, and he's more than capable of proving his worth on the biggest stage." As one of the most experienced players in the squad, Henderson understands the importance of having an "X-factor" in major tournaments. He recalled: "In 2018, we had Harry Kane; at Euro 2020, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling stepped up. Jude has that same ability to change a game in an instant." Henderson highlighted Bellingham's versatility as a key asset. "He can play in multiple positions—central midfield, out wide, or as a No. 10. He's a threat with his runs, passing, and finishing. And he has the mental strength to handle pressure. That's what sets top players apart." Looking ahead to the World Cup, Henderson is optimistic. "We have a young, talented squad, and Jude is a big part of it. If he stays focused and confident, he can be one of the stars of the tournament." Bellingham himself has remained grounded, focusing on his training and performances. He thanked Henderson for his support on social media and vowed to let his football do the talking. England manager Gareth Southgate also has high hopes for Bellingham, describing him as a player with all the attributes to become a world-class midfielder. As the World Cup approaches, Bellingham's form will be crucial to England's chances. Henderson's backing has given the young midfielder a boost of confidence, and fans are eager to see him shine in Qatar.

'Hard to read' Bellingham criticism - Henderson

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