Liverpool's Jordan Henderson has often divided opinion when it comes to his inclusion in the national side, but he has produced a resounding performance in the most crucial of moments to aid England in the hunt for that coveted trophy that has eluded the nation for so long.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Henderson has stepped into the first-team reckoning after missing out on the starting fold in the opening fixture.

Quite simply, his presence in the middle of the park is of paramount importance to England's endeavours, with his stability and selflessness providing a fortified platform for Jude Bellingham to maraud forward and find openings, while also giving the likes of Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden creative freedom on the wings.

Starting spot earned

As the tournament stretches into the latter stage, the need for composure and experience increases tenfold. Calm, assured heads with galvanising cries uttered across the pitch can be the difference between victory and defeat in the definitive moments.

As the games stretch on, and the ubiquitous figure needed to instigate the forward push, or maintain the ball under relentless pressure, is indeed often the focal point in such instances.

Henderson demonstrated his aptitude in such scenarios, aiding the Three Lions in clutching the match against Senegal and ensuring that the opening goal wouldn't invite a barrage of pressure from the African opposition.

As per Sofascore, the £140k-per-week Liverpool captain recorded a rating of 7.7 during the round-of-16 outing, scoring the opening goal and continuing to provide the experienced display required to sail to victory.

His successful strike was complemented by an 89% pass accuracy and a 100% duel success rate; his two tackles and one blocked shot completed a robust and complete performance, an embodiment of the role needed from the modern industrious midfielder.

Across the tournament, Henderson, lauded a "terrific leader" by Liverpool teammate Virgil Van Dijk, has completed 86% of his passes and won 77% of his total duels, and his pragmatic approach to his play will be vital among the flair-heavy forward-line England also boasts.

Indeed, against France, in the tantalising quarter-final tie, the 32-year-old conductor will need to be on a similar vein of form, should he earn another starting role, and provide a doggedly tenacious display against the reigning world champions, but his blend of experience, melded with the vibrancy of Declan Rice beside him and the genius of Bellingham, could produce scintillating results for the nation.

For a player that has won nearly everything there is to win at club level, captaining such a side to success, was it ever really in question that he could provide the presence required to breed success, as he consistently throughout his time as skipper for the club.