England manager Gareth Southgate has leapt to the defence of former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson.
Henderson once again started for the Three Lions last night, despite now playing in-front of tiny crowds in the Saudi Pro League.
And in a clear insight into how the former Reds captain is now thought of by a portion of football fans, the £13m man was booed when being subbed off in the second-half.
To plenty, this reaction has quite obviously been coming. But despite the blatantly obvious reasons behind the dissent, Southgate told BBC Sport after the game that he ‘couldn’t understand it.
“I really don’t understand it,” said the baffled England boss. “He’s a player who has I think 79 caps now for England. His commitment and what he has delivered for England is exceptional.
“His role in the group on and off the pitch is phenomenally important. He’s the ones that’s taken the likes of Jude Bellingham under his wing, he provides a brilliant role-model for all of the group.
“His professionalism, his approach to every part of his work. Some people decided to boo, I really don’t understand what that is for.”
Southgate pleads ignorance
For Southgate to plead ignorance here really is staggering. There’s backing your player, we understand that, but is he that out of touch with reality?
The reasons for booing Henderson are numerous. And although we’d never condone this kind of open dissent towards your own player, Jordan must have seen something like this coming.
He upset a heck of a lot of people by moving to Saudi Arabia this summer. The reasons for that upset are justified and both Henderson and Southgate know that full well.
Part of the reason for booing is perhaps also down to Southgate’s own stubbornness to keep selecting the former Red.
Just as with Harry Maguire, England supporters seem to be fed up of the manager picking his favourites.
At this point, it seems fairly certain that Henderson will be afforded a place in the Euro 2024 squad. After a full season of playing in a poor league, when there are other options available, that is disappointing.
So, although it’s counterintuitive for us to go against such a storied Liverpool player, we have to say we understand the frustration of those fans that booed. There are certainly different, better ways to show it, but how can anyone be surprised that it’s come to this.