“Real England fans don’t abuse players,” said Harry Maguire, after the abuse towards Jordan Henderson was drowned out by loud cheers when he came on in Tuesday’s win over Italy.
Henderson was booed during Friday’s win over Australia, with both the midfielder and England boss Gareth Southgate hitting back at the supporters in question after the match.
Henderson’s move to the Saudi Pro League was controversial, but Southgate argued that the issue should be put aside when he plays for his country, while the former Liverpool captain said his opponents would have no influence on his commitment to playing for his country to play. England.
Maguire – who has suffered similar treatment in recent years, most recently in last month’s victory over Scotland when Southgate launched a fervent defense of his centre-back – stood firmly behind Henderson when he spoke to Air sports on Tuesday.
“You should not insult players who play for your country and dedicate their lives to playing and do everything to ensure that this country experiences good memories and special moments for them, the fans and their families,” he said.
“I know a lot of top English fans and I know the English fans who have been with me since my debut and they are right behind me and they are also right behind Jordan.
“You heard a few cheers but they’re not England fans.”
LGBTQ+ supporter groups associated with both Liverpool and England criticized Henderson’s move to Al Ettifaq, given Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the fact that homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia. Henderson was an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights during his time at Anfield.
Last month, Henderson gave an interview The Athletics explaining his decision, although his reasoning attracted further criticism.
Southgate praises ‘incredible’ Bellingham as England qualify for Euro 2024
England made a sparkling comeback to beat Italy 3-1 at Wembley to secure their place at the 2024 European Championship.
Gareth Southgate’s side, needing just a point to qualify for next summer’s tournament, fell behind to Gianluca Scamacca’s early opener but captain Harry Kane led the response, converting a penalty and then scoring a clinical second after Marcus Rashford’s breakaway strike.
England again owed a lot to Kane’s goalscoring heroes as he took his international tally to 61, but Jude Bellingham was the real star. He won the penalty for the equalizer and then provided a sensational burst of speed to put Rashford in second.
The victory puts England on 16 points in Group C, three points clear of second-placed Ukraine, and guarantees their lead at next summer’s tournament in Germany.
Reigning European champions Italy are now at risk of missing out on a second major tournament in a row. The defeat leaves them on ten points, three behind Ukraine, even though they have played one match less.
What’s next?
England are back in action next month to play their final two Euro 2024 qualifiers while hosting Malta at Wembley on November 17; starting at 7.45 pm.
Gareth Southgate’s side then end their Group C campaign with an away match against North Macedonia on November 20; starting at 7.45 pm.
Euro 2024 starts on June 14.