Jordan Henderson has been named among the England substitutes for the World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina.
Henderson was on the bench against Norway despite suffering an injury after the win against Mexico that required him to have surgery in Kansas City.
The veteran midfielder wasn’t expected to kick a ball again but to everybody’s surprise, he has been named on the bench.
Why Jordan Henderson is allowed to be a substitute for England
Photos of Henderson showed that he had been wearing a cast while warming up and sitting on the bench.
According to section 4.1 of the laws set out by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), “accessories are permitted as long as they are not dangerous and are safely and securely covered. Dangerous items must be removed and not taped or covered.”
As a cast does not qualify under these rules, it means that the midfielder is therefore able to play and can be included in the squad if Thomas Tuchel chooses to.
Will Jordan Henderson play for England again at the World Cup?
While he is allowed to remain as part of the squad and named as a substitute, it is highly unlikely that he will be able to play again.
Before the Norway win, the 36-year-old praised the work of the medical staff but said any chances of featuring on the pitch would have to wait.
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He told ITV: “It’s alright, it’s not my finest hour though.
“The main job was to go there and win to progress to the quarter-final and we managed to do that so that’s the main thing.
“It’s been a tough couple of days but as soon as I came back to camp and seen the lads, we’ve got a great medical team so I’m thankful for that and the doctors and surgeons in Kansas were amazing as well. So I’m very grateful and just delighted to be part of the squad again today.”
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