Southgate says Henderson would be sad if England fans turned their back on star
Gareth Southgate says Jordan Henderson would be "sad" if England's LGBTQ+ fans turned their back on the team, should the Saudi Arabia-based player take to the field against Ukraine on Saturday.
Henderson, a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights during his time as Liverpool captain, has taken widespread criticism for moving to Saudi club Al Ettifaq during the summer transfer window. Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia and can result in capital punishment.
After England manager Southgate selected Henderson for his September internationals, England's LGBTQ+ supporters group Three Lions Pride announced they would turn their back to the pitch if Henderson played for his country again - as that is what they feel he has done to them.
Asked about the protest move, Southgate said: "I think Jordan expressed himself this week that he would be sad if that's how they felt. His feeling towards that community hasn't changed.
"As a team, I'm sure all of our fans are going to get behind the team when the game starts.
"I understand some of the comments that have been made and I respect the comments that have been made, but what has also said is they will get behind the team when we play, and I'm sure they will get behind Jordan when the game starts as well."
Trent Alexander-Arnold's injury means Henderson is a contender to start alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in the England midfield on Saturday, though Conor Gallagher, Kalvin Phillips, James Maddison, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze are also options.
Asked if Southgate considered taking Henderson out of the firing line, the England manager said:" I don't pick the team based on external reaction, as I'm sure you're aware over the course of the last seven years.
"He's a very experienced
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