The Real Madrid ace has faced media scrutiny for his performances at international level, but Henderson is backing his colleague to enjoy a stellar World Cup.

The Brentford midfielder said of 22-year-old Bellingham: "I can remember six years ago, I gave him his first cap and how much he has grown as a player and person since then is incredible really.

"I had a good idea when I first saw him playing and training and the way he was. What he has done so far at such a young age, I think everybody forgets how young he is, even me sometimes."

Henderson has a close relationship with Bellingham and is confident that the midfielder can give England the "X-factor" required for glory in North America.

He said: "I honestly couldn't speak highly enough of him.

"I know a lot gets written in the media, I find it hard to read sometimes really because I just know just how big an influence he is on this team, how good a team-mate he is off the field.

"What he gives us is just something really special. He really gives us an X-factor in our team. He has had big moments in his career; he is a big-game player.

"He has got experience in tournaments. He is a huge, huge player for us in this tournament."

Henderson explained that Bellingham presenting a legacy gap to recent England debutant Rio Ngumoha showcases the qualities he brings to the dressing room.

The former Liverpool player said: "They all look up to him and he gave Rio [Ngumoha] his first cap which gives you a little insight to what he is like behind the scenes.

"I do think that a lot of the media and the stuff that gets written isn't all true to be honest, a lot of it is actually untrue.

"For us, we know what he can do and we all love him inside the camp and I suppose that's the main thing."