A fascinating thread on Twitter which analysed both of Harry Kane’s penalties against France shows how important Jordan Henderson is to England.
Defending champions France took the lead after 17 minutes thanks to a long-range effort from Aurelien Tchouameni, Kane then equalised from the spot in the 54th minute.
Olivier Giroud expertly headed his side back in front with less than 15 minutes left on the clock. France held on for a 2-1 victory after Kane missed a crucial late penalty to draw England level.
Geir Jordet, a football psychology professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences has posted a brilliant thread on Twitter which analysed both Kane's penalties, his teammates' reactions and Henderson's importance.
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The thread started by stating that Henderson has successfully protected Liverpool’s penalty-takers for the past few years by making sure opponents don’t get the chance to play any mind games ahead of the kick. Henderson showed that again for Kane’s first penalty against France.
After the spot kick was awarded, Henderson quickly grabbed the ball and handed it over to Kane, then he walked alongside the striker to the penalty area, ensuring that he was not going to be distracted by France’s players.
In addition to that, Henderson then positioned himself a fair distance away from the ball as Kane readied himself. The Liverpool captain then sprinted towards the ball as Kane began his run-up. All this was done to ensure he is there for any potential rebounds, but Kane dispatched his kick.
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However, for the second penalty, the story was different.
Firstly, Henderson was off the pitch by then and the thread showed that Kane was standing on his own, surrounded by French players prior to the kick.
Defender John Stones eventually spots Kane on his own and instructed teammates to go over, midfield duo Mason Mount and Jude Bellingham obliged. But was it too late?
Kane blazed his penalty well over the bar as England’s World Cup dream went up in smoke.
After the miss, only one England player went to Kane, 19-year-old Bellingham offered a hug and some words, showing maturity way beyond his age.
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Henderson then showed his immense leadership qualities again after the final whistle as he accompanied Kane on the pitch.
It was a bitterly disappointing end to a promising tournament for England as they bowed out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage. France will now take on Morocco on Wednesday with a place in the final on the line.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@GeirJordetTopics: Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, England, France, Football, Football World Cup
