Henderson was booed off by the Three Lions fans as he was substituted against Australia. The Ettifaq midfielder had started the game as captain but was jeered as he left the pitch, to be replaced by Kieran Trippier after the hour mark. Southgate has hit back at the boos, insisting that he simply does not understand them.
Henderson turned his back on the Premier League to move to the Saudi Pro League and link up with Steven Gerrard. This despite his previously principled stance on LGBTQIA+ rights, and his wearing of rainbow laces and rainbow armbands; being gay in Saudi Arabia is illegal.
Southgate said after the game: “I really don’t understand it. He is 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.”
England beat Australia 1-0 thanks to an Ollie Watkins goal and will face Italy in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Tuesday.
Goal
