Jordan Henderson shoved John Stones aside and turned the air blue with a ferocious release of primal energy as he wheeled away in celebration after scoring his first goal for England on his 62nd appearance.
England progressed into the semi-finals of the 2020 European Championship by defeating Ukraine on Saturday.
A brace from captain Harry Kane and a goal each from Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson secured progress for England in a 4-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
It was a special night for the Three Lions in Rome, but it was even more so for Henderson who scored his first-ever England goal.
England broke the deadlock as early as in the 4th minute via Harry Kane, who scored his second goal in as many games after having a slow start to EURO 2020 by his lofty standards.
England remained in cruise control of the match until the half time interval, even though they did not add to their tally. But Harry Maguire headed home from a Luke Shaw cross right after the interval to send England 2-0 up, and Kane added another soon after to make it three for the Three Lions.
Progress into the semi-final was as good as secured, and Gareth Southgate took Declan Rice off for Jordan Henderson to help shut down Ukraine for the rest of the night.
The Liverpool captain did just what was expected from him, and more–as he headed Mason Mount’s corner home to make it four for England, and scoring his first-ever goal for England in the process.
It was the midfielder’s first goal for his country in his 62nd appearance, and the occasion on which the goal came could not get any more special.
His celebration after scoring displayed how much the goal meant to Henderson, and his teammates also looked visibly delighted with one of the most popular players in the England camp opening his international account.
Henderson’s strike meant that England had now scored eight goals in the tournament without reply, and set up a EURO 2020 semi-final date with Denmark in three nights’ time.
62nd appearance for England 💪
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 3, 2021
1st goal for the Three Lions ⚽️
🏴 Unforgettable moment for Jordan Henderson! @JHenderson | @England | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/4Naa6kJ6Yk
