World Cup 2018: Jordan Henderson issues England rallying cry ahead of Belgium clash
'There is no chance of us taking our foot off the pedal. We want to build on our performances so far, we want our level to keep improving, to keep getting better'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jordan Henderson insists England will be going all out to beat Belgium in their final World Cup group game and believes the Three Lions are ready for whoever they will face in the knockout stages.
A resounding 6-1 win over Panama in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday assured England of their place in the last 16 with a game to spare.
That final match comes against Belgium on Thursday, with the Red Devils also through having won their opening two games.
As things stand, there is an argument it could be better to finish second in Group G, as doing so might help avoid some of the World Cup’s biggest names, who have so far struggled to get going in Russia.
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has admitted he is tempted to make alterations to his side and rest key players, while England’s Gareth Southgate could yet follow suit.
But, whichever side takes to the pitch in Kaliningrad, Henderson is certain the only thing on their minds will be securing a 100 per cent record in Group G.
“Our thinking is we are ready to take on any opponent,” he told the London Evening Standard.
“I’m not too sure what might happen in the draw later on, I’m not thinking that way. We are just concentrating on beating Belgium.
“We want to keep winning, we want to top the group, we want to keep this run going.
“If you want to do well in the World Cup, you have to defeat good teams anyway so it doesn’t really matter who you get.”
The Liverpool skipper believes trying to plot a course dependent on which teams could be faced later in the tournament is not the way to go and is keen to keep a winning feeling among the England camp.
“There is no chance of us taking our foot off the pedal. We want to build on our performances so far, we want our level to keep improving, to keep getting better,” he added.
“It gives you momentum, it gives you rhythm. You want to keep that going right the way through the tournament.
“We don’t want to be thinking too far into things and getting caught up in all that sort of stuff. Top teams win games, it’s as simple as that.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments