Henderson boos ‘make no sense’, says England manager Southgate

England manager Gareth Southgate said it made no sense to boo Jordan Henderson as the fans were obviously furious with the midfielder in the friendly against Australia.

Henderson was named England captain for the match, with the 33-year-old, who joined a Saudi Arabian club earlier this year, playing 62 minutes. In the summer Henderson moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq from Liverpool on a three-year deal in July. The switch to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal, made headlines as Henderson has long been a supporter of LGBT people.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Southgate: “Can’t understand why booing Henderson, a player with 79 caps for England…”.

“His commitment and what he has delivered for England is exceptional. His role on and off the pitch is phenomenally important. Impossible to understand why they boo him”. pic.twitter.com/GjzgcfZDrZ

More on this topic:

Tuchel vows to fulfill England’s World Cup dream in 2026

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 13, 2023

“I really don’t understand it. He’s a player who has won 79 caps for England and his commitment and what he has delivered for England is exceptional,” Southgate told reporters. He’s a brilliant role model for all of the group in his professionalism and his approach. Some people deciding to boo, I really don’t understand what that is for. Come on – we play Italy on Tuesday and let’s get behind this team.”