England boss Gareth Southgate says he understands why people think Jordan Henderson’s decision to play in Saudi Arabia “doesn’t align” with his support of the LGBTQ+ community – but does not think that is a reason to boo him.
Henderson was booed by a section of the Wembley crowd when he was substituted during England’s 1-0 friendly victory over Australia on Friday.
After the game Southgate criticised supporters for targeting Henderson and he reiterated those comments in a press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.
When asked if Henderson would still be selected if he was being booed, Southgate replied: “Yes, 100 per cent, I’ll always pick the players I think are the best players to represent the team, that give us the best chance of winning unless there’s something I feel is not appropriate.
“In this instance people may disagree with Jordan’s decision, given the stance he’s taken in the past to support the LGBTQ community, but I don’t think that’s a reason to not select him. I don’t actually think that’s a reason to boo him.
“We’d like all the fans behind us, we’re a stronger team if the supporters are with us, that’s the connection we’ve had over a long period of time now. If I just select on a popularity contest our team would look very different.
“I don’t understand why we would boo our own team. What I do understand is that people would feel that the decision Jordan made to go and play there doesn’t align with his strong support of the LGBTQ community in the past.
GO DEEPER
Jordan Henderson: I strongly believe that me playing in Saudi Arabia is a positive thing
“I’ve not seen him comment anywhere differently, I don’t believe he’s an individual whose values and principles have changed and I would back him against pretty much everybody in the country in terms of what he stands for and what he believes in.
“But I accept the decision to go and play there doesn’t align with that. He understands and accepts that. But I repeat, when we’re playing for England I feel as if everybody should be behind the team. If people choose not to be, we have to deal with that.”
Since moving to Al-Ettifaq in July, Henderson has played in two of England’s three matches, starting against Ukraine and Australia.
Defender Kyle Walker also backed the 33-year-old’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia, adding of the boos: “It’s not nice to hear. I’ve know Jordan since probably the age of nine when playing for Sheffield United against Sunderland. To see what he’s done for the country for so many years and what he does around the team as well, it’s a family in there and we spend a week together in a hotel and he’s a big part of keeping the group together.
“People are entitled to their opinions but I fully back Jordan in his decision and what he’s had to do.”
GO DEEPER
Jordan Henderson and the nuances of England’s booing culture
(Photo: Eddie Keogh – The FA via Getty Images)
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