Liverpool star Jordan Henderson ran the show as England recorded a 3-0 win over Senegal in the World Cup Round of 16, where Raheem Sterling was sadly absent.
The Liverpool Academy graduate – who used to play with Henderson at Anfield – missed the 3-0 win over Senegal after a burglary at his home in Surrey, as he was keen to return home and check on the wellbeing of his family.
According to the Evening Standard, Sterling is desperate to play a significant role for England in Qatar, and will return to the World Cup if the circumstances are right.
After hearing the news, Henderson paid tribute to the Chelsea No.17 with a subtle gesture many may have missed during England’s 3-0 win over Senegal.
What’s the story?
Well, the Liverpool No.14 was spotted wearing Sterling’s No.10 shorts in tribute to the 27-year-old during Sunday’s comprehensive Round of 16 victory, after being withdrawn in place of Kalvin Phillips in the 82nd minute.
You can see a photo of Henderson wearing his England teammate’s kit while speaking to what appears to be Trent Alexander-Arnold’s family below.
It may only be a very small gesture, although it showed that Henderson had Sterling in mind after the England international was forced to miss one of the biggest games of his career.
Will Raheem Sterling return to the World Cup?
As things stand, it remains unclear whether or not Sterling will return to Qatar for the remainder of the World Cup.
According to the Guardian, the England international may now end up staying in the United Kingdom.
The Sun add that a source close to Sterling has said: “Raheem has told everyone, there is no way I’m going anywhere unless I’m 100% sure that my family can be kept safe.
“He is security conscious and part of the reason they moved into the property was that it is on a very exclusive estate, with regular security patrols.”
Therefore, it remains to be seen what happens with Sterling – clearly, he will only return to Qatar if he can be certain nothing else happens to his family.
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