Gareth Southgate hits back at England fans who booed Jordan Henderson
- England fans booed off Jordan Henderson during Friday's win against Australia at Wembley Stadium
- Midfielder came in for criticism over summer move to Al Ettifaq from Liverpool
- Gareth Southgate has defended Henderson and questioned fans who jeered him
By Sean Walsh
England manager Gareth Southgate questioned why fans booed Jordan Henderson during Friday's win against Australia.
The Three Lions beat the Socceroos 1-0 in a friendly at Wembley Stadium to kick off their October international window. Ollie Watkins scored the game's only goal just after half-time, converting a low cross from Jack Grealish from close range.
Henderson was named captain for the evening with usual skipper Harry Kane remaining an unused substitute, but this was far from a popular decision.
Prior to kick-off, sections of the Wembley crowd booed Henderson's name when it was read out on the team-sheet. When he was substituted on the hour mark, those jeers became noticeably louder.
The 33-year-old, formerly one of the LGBTQ+ community's strongest and most visible allies, came under fire this summer when he decided to leave Liverpool for Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex relationships and activity are outlawed.
In recent days, Henderson has also publicly thrown his support behind Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
But speaking in his post-match press conference, Southgate continually expressed his confusion for Henderson being targeted by boos from England fans.
"He is a role model in the squad. I don't understand it," he said.
"I know what's created it but it defies logic that you would give a player who is playing and putting his heart and soul into playing for England...why boo him?"
Southgate said he did not want to discuss or "elaborate" the reasons as to why Henderson's reception was negative, instead pointing to his impact for England.
"How is [booing] going to help him or the team? He has got 79 caps for England - what he has delivered is exceptional," he added.
"He has taken Jude Bellingham under his wing. He knitted things together on the field tonight in a team with not a lot of caps."
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