'It defies logic' - Gareth Southgate slams fan behaviour towards ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson
Gareth Southgate was not best pleased with supporters that booed former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson off the pitch last night, an act that 'defies logic' according to the England manager.
Henderson, 33, was making his first appearance for the national team at Wembley Stadium since his controversial Anfield exit to Saudi Arabia in July.
A much-changed Three Lions side overcame Australia with a second-half Ollie Watkins goal in Friday's friendly, though one of the more poignant moments after the restart was in fact not the sole strike of the evening but Henderson - standing in as captain for the unused Harry Kane - was jeered off the pitch.
"I really don’t understand it. He’s a player who has won 79 caps for England and his commitment and what he has delivered for England is exceptional," Southgate told Channel 4.
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"His role in the group on and off the pitch is phenomenally important – he’s the one that has taken the likes of Jude Bellingham under his wing since he came into the squad. He’s a brilliant role model for all of the group in his professionalism and his approach.
"Some people deciding to boo I really don’t understand what that is for. Come on – we play Italy on Tuesday and let’s get behind this team."
Probing further, the England boss was asked whether it was to do with the veteran's choice to move to the Saudi Pro League. Whilst at Liverpool Henderson had been a vocal activist alongside LGBTQ+ campaigners, though now plays in a country where homosexuality is outlawed.
When he returned to the country for last month's
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