Gareth Southgate says criticism of Jordan Henderson “defies logic” after the midfielder was booed by some England fans during Friday’s 1-0 friendly win over Australia.
The 33-year-old was named captain in an experimental outfit but a handful of supporters jeered his name when the teams were read out before kick-off and many more among the 81,116 spectators joined him when he was replaced in the 62nd minute.
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Henderson made a controversial but lucrative move from Liverpool to Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia this summer, sparking a backlash from LGBTQIA+ groups he had previously championed.
In Saudi Arabia, LGBTQIA+ people, including foreigners, “risk imprisonment and corporal punishment for same-sex relations, expressing their identity or support for LGBT rights,” according to Amnesty International.
But Southgate said: “I really don’t understand. He’s a player who has, I think, 79 caps for England. His commitment and what he’s delivered for England is exceptional.
“His role in the squad, on and off the pitch, is extremely important. He is the one who took players like Jude Bellingham under his wing from the moment he arrived in the team, providing a brilliant role model to the whole squad .His professionalism and approach to every aspect of his work.
“Some people decided to boo, I really don’t understand what the point is. We have players wearing England jerseys.
“Come on, we play Italy here on Tuesday. Let’s support this team. I know we weren’t at our best tonight but that was due to a lot of changes we made and we gave to the players we put in game a very good level. difficult task, because it is difficult to remain consistent in the face of so many changes.
“I would just say that this is a team that does a lot and deserves everyone’s support.”
Henderson also publicly supported Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup, but Southgate continued: “What does that have to do with supporting a guy who wears a jersey English? I’m not really sure where we’re going with everything.
“I am extremely impressed by the impeccable values and decisions that everyone in our country is making at this time. I don’t understand it. I know what created it and why it happened, but this “It defies logic that you place such importance on him. A player who puts his heart and soul into playing for England. How is that going to help him or the team?”
Ollie Watkins scored the only goal as England beat Australia 1-0, pushing away Jack Grealish’s low shot in the 57th minute.
