sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

"Coward's tackle" - Neville slams ex-Arsenal player for "naughty" challenge on Liverpool star

"Coward's tackle" - Neville slams ex-Arsenal player for "naughty" challenge on Liverpool star

"He knew what he was doing."

Gary Neville has criticised Aaron Ramsey for a "coward's tackle" on Jordan Henderson during England's World Cup win over Wales.

England booked their place in the last 16 of the competition, eliminating Wales in the process, with a 3-0 win on Tuesday night.

Marcus Rashford scored twice with Phil Foden getting the other goal for England to secure a comfortable win for Gareth Southgate's side.

They will now face Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal in their last 16 match on Sunday.

Henderson earned his first start of the tournament against Wales and made an impact in midfield, with his high pressing and vocal leadership helping the Three Lions to victory.

There was a worrying moment for the Liverpool captain on the hour mark, however, when he was brought down by a late challenge from Wales midfielder Ramsey.

Henderson was caught on the ankle by a studs-up tackle from the former Arsenal man, who received a yellow card.

Neville slams Ramsey over Henderson tackle

Former England international Neville has criticised Ramsey for the late tackle and believes it may have been intentional.

"I didn't like it. I thought it was a coward's tackle, I thought he knew what he was doing," Neville said on his podcast.

"Jordan just had something with him on a different part of the pitch, I watched them half follow each other, and I thought it was a naughty one that."

Bellingham: Henderson brought intensity

Speaking after the match, England midfielder Jude Bellingham praised Henderson for his intensity during the match – something which was badly missed in Friday's drab goalless draw with the United States.

"I think we had a high energy today," Bellingham told the BBC.

"We realised in the game the other day that we weren't aggressive enough, we were too passive, so it was important for us to kind of be a bit more on the front foot.

"Hendo [Henderson] brings that intensity every time he plays, and when he gives you that confidence to go and press, I can go and push on and Dec [Declan Rice] can be aggressive.

"We won a lot of balls really high up the pitch which was key to us retaining the pressure and keeping them under."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: England, Jordan Henderson, Gary Neville, Wales, Liverpool, Arsenal, Football World Cup, Aaron Ramsey, Football