Jordan Henderson: England boss Gareth Southgate cannot understand Wembley boos for Al Ettifaq midfielder

Gareth Southgate says he doesn’t understand why Jordan Henderson was booed when he was substituted in the second half of England’s 1-0 win over Australia.

With Harry Kane on the bench, Southgate named Henderson as captain for the friendly at Wembley, which saw Ollie Watkins score the only goal of the match.

But Henderson, who made the controversial decision to leave Liverpool and join Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq over the summer, was booed by some of the Wembley crowd when he was substituted by Kalvin Phillips in the 62nd minute.

Southgate said: “I really don’t understand. He’s a player, 79 caps for England, his commitment and what he’s delivered for England is exceptional.

“His role on and off the field is extremely important. He has taken players like Bellingham under his wing. He is a role model for the group in every part of his job.

“Some people decided to boo. I really don’t understand what the point is. We’re playing Italy here on Tuesday, come on, let’s support this team. I know we weren’t at our best tonight, but we got made a lot of changes…

“This is a team that does a lot of things and they all deserve all of our support.

“We review all of (Henderson’s) games. I think he knitted a lot and held things together today. You need leadership, we didn’t have a lot of picks on the field, so l Hendo’s influence before the match, during the match was extremely important and he helped the other players get through the match.”

Speaking on calling up Henderson for September’s matches, Southgate said: “I’m not really sure why a player would receive an adverse reaction because of where he plays.”

Asked if the player’s recent promotion of Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid might have had an impact, Southgate replied: “What does that have to do with the supporting a guy who wears an England jersey?”

Pointing out that England fans might not agree with Henderson’s principles, he replied: “Well, yeah, I don’t really know where we’re going with everything.

“I am extremely impressed by the impeccable values ​​and decisions that everyone is making in our country then.

“Yeah, clearly I don’t understand it. I know what created it and I know why it happened, but it defies me the logic that you would give to a player who plays and puts all his heart and soul into soul to play for England. … why boo him?

“How is this going to help him or help the team?”

Southgate was then asked about his comments relating to what created the reception, only to respond “there’s nothing to be gained from going back to it, really”.

Henderson, a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights during his time as Liverpool captain, was widely criticized for moving to Al Ettifaq during the summer transfer window. Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia and can result in the death penalty.

After England manager Southgate selected Henderson for his September international matches, England LGBTQ+ supporters group Three Lions Pride announced they would turn their backs on the pitch if Henderson played for his country again – because that’s what ‘they think he did it to them.

What did Henderson say?

When his move to Saudi Arabia was completed, quotes from Henderson in 2021 – where he said the idea of ​​playing in a place that excludes others based on their identity “amazes me” resurfaced.

In an interview with AthleticismThe England midfielder has defended his decision to move to Saudi Arabia, admitting he “strongly believed” it was the right thing to do.

“All I’ve ever tried to do is help,” Henderson said in the interview. “And when I was asked for help, I went above and beyond. I wore the shoelaces. I wore the armband. I talked to people in this community to try to use my profile to help them. That’s all I’ve ever tried to do.

“I’m not going to sit here and say, ‘Why are they criticizing me?’ I understand it, it’s all I was thinking about and I care about it.

“When I hear things like, ‘You turned your back on us,’ it hurts me. I care. I have family and friends in the LGBTQ+ community…I’m comfortable with know exactly what I am and exactly what I stand for.” for. But I understand and can accept that not everyone understands this. This is why I can only apologize to these people if they feel this way. “

And after?

England will get a place at Euro 2024 if Ukraine And North Macedonia draw on Saturday and England beat Italy at Wembley on Tuesday; kick-off at 7:45 p.m.

A defeat for Ukraine would mean just one point for Gareth Southgate’s men against Italy.

But England know they’ll pretty much be home if they beat the Italians anyway, given Italy, Ukraine and North Macedonia all have to face each other again – meaning it is unlikely that two of the pursuers will be able to catch up. them.