Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold make a World Cup exit as England lose to France
Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold bow out of the World Cup after England lose to France in the quarter-finals at the Al-Bayt Stadium.
The Reds’ summer transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni, who eventually signed for Real Madrid, gave the world champions an early lead through a thumping hit from outside the box.
England equalised after Bukayo Saka was brought down by the French goal-scorer early in the second half. Harry Kane stepped up and clinically dispatched the penalty.
France retook the lead 12 minutes from time with a deflected header from Olivier Giroud, following a ridiculously good cross from Antoine Griezmann.
Minutes later, England had a chance to come back on level terms when another penalty was awarded to them after Theo Hernandez awkwardly bundled Mason Mount over. This time though, Kane’s penalty landed in row Z of the stadium.
Speaking to the media after the game, here’s what Liverpool captain Henderson said (h/t BBC Live):
“It is hard now to sum it up, it is hard to find the right words.
“I thought we gave everything in the game, we were disappointed to go 1-0 down but we showed the character and mentality to keep going and find the equaliser.
“We gave it everything and unfortunately it wasn’t our night.”
It was a disappointing night for the Three Lions, who went toe-to-toe with the defending champions and yet could not land the knockout punches when required.
Henderson had a decent game in midfield, while Alexander-Arnold remained seated on the bench even when England were lacking creativity and chasing the game in the last 10-15 minutes. One can wonder why he was taken to Qatar in the first place.
While this result is bad news for English fans, it is good news for us Liverpool supporters. Alexander-Arnold hardly played in the tournament, hence he would be fresh to get going for us upon his return.
Henderson, on the other hand, would need some time off to dust himself down and come back when the season resumes. The advantage of going in the quarters means he has enough time between now and the resumption of the season to recover and recharge.
More Chelsea News:
- Luis Diaz leaves Liverpool training camp after injury setback
- Petr Cech says Liverpool goalie Alisson Becker has been fantastic for Brazil in the 2022 FIFA World Cup
- Barcelona eye Liverpool transfer target and Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko
We would guess he won’t take any part in the cup tie on 22nd December against Manchester City. But, featuring against Aston Villa in the Premier League on the 26th isn’t far from the possibility.
