Gareth Southgate Doesn't Think About Why Jordan Henderson Was Mocked By British Fans

Jordan Henderson, m, received ridicule from British fans. (photo: twitter @JHenderson)

As many people think of the question when England's number two, Jordan Henderson, was given a thunderous applause when he was replaced in the match against Australia at Wembley.

The spotlight was raised when the 33-year-old changed his role as Liverpool captain by joining Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League in a controversial transfer worth 12 million pounds.

Henderson was a vocal supporter of LGBTQ + rights while playing at Anfield and last month apologized for his potential injury to move to a country that considered homosexuality illegal.

There was no flashy negative reaction to him during the double match against Ukraine and Scotland last September. But the situation has been different in his first England home game since his controversial move.

There were whispers when Henderson's name was read before Friday 13 October's friendly which England won 1-0 over Australia at Wembley. Some supporters mocked him when he was replaced in the second half.

"Actually I don't understand," Southgate said of the reaction. "He is a player who, in my opinion, has recorded 79 caps for England. His commitment and what he has given to England is extraordinary. The role in the group outside and on the pitch is very important."

"When Jude Bellingham came to the squad, he immediately became a mentor to him, set a brilliant example for the whole group in professionalism and approach to every part of his job. Some people decide to nag. I really don't understand what it is," Southgate added.

"We have players in British uniforms. Yes, come on, we play against Italy on Tuesday (17 October in an important Euro 2024 qualification). Let's support this team," asked Southgate.

"I know we didn't perform at the best level tonight, but that's because we made a lot of changes and we gave players a difficult task on the pitch because having to create cohesion with so many changes is a difficult thing," he said.

"But I just want to say that this is a team that gives a lot of things and everyone deserves everyone's support," he said.

When called up for last September's game, Southgate said: "I don't really know why players will receive negative reactions because of where he played."

When asked if the player's latest promotion for the 2034 World Cup offer from Saudi Arabia may have had an impact, Southgate said: "What has to do with supporting players wearing British uniforms?"

When it was offered that British fans might disagree with Henderson's principles, he said: "Yes, I really don't know where we're going with all of this. I am deeply impressed by the values and straightforward decisions made by everyone in our country today."

"Yes, obviously, I don't understand. I know what created it and I know why it happened, but it doesn't make sense to me that you're going to give the applause of players who play and give everything to play for England... why blaspheme it?

"How will it help him or help the team?" asked the England captain.

Southgate was then asked about his comments about what created the reaction, simply to respond that "nothing could be obtained by discussing it, actually".

The UK manager sounded clear and clean at post-match press conferences, but the same could not be said for Australian coach Graham Arnold.

Australia's enthusiastic boss lost his voice in the game as his team put up a fierce fight against England, despite losing in the 57th minute.

Arnold's assistant, Rene Meulensteen, who used to be Manchester United coach, said this was a missed opportunity despite Socceroos' strong performances.

"Yeah, I think so," Meulensteen told the media. "However, I think we will be very proud of this performance.

"Sometimes in football, you play in the game and the results don't support you, then you try to find the cause. But I think this is one of the defeats where you can be very proud of your performance," he said.

"I mean, we played against a very strong nation. They obviously have a big game in a few days against Italy, as we all know, but they can face two world-class teams without any doubt."