Jordan Henderson was booed by some section of the crowd when he was substituted for Kalvin Phillips in the 62nd minute.
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England had to work extremely hard to get past a resilient Australia in an international friendly. In the game that happened on Friday night, there were very few chances being created between the two sides. Playing at Wembley Stadium, the Three Lions were expected to be the clear favourites to get the job done in front of the home support. However, it was not as straightforward as many anticipated it would be.
Ollie Watkins’ goal close to the hour mark was enough for England to get the win in the end. However, one of the main talking points of the match was the treatment received by Gareth Southgate’s midfield general. Jordan Henderson was booed by some section of the crowd when he was substituted for Kalvin Phillips in the 62nd minute. Notably, Henderson, who joined Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq from Liverpool, was named as captain for the friendly against Australia.
Southgate was at a loss for words over the treatment of the team’s senior midfielder. “I really don’t understand it. He’s a player, 79 caps for England, his commitment and what he’s delivered for England is exceptional. His role on and off the pitch is phenomenally important. He’s taken the likes of Bellingham under his wing. He’s a role model for the group in every part of his work,” Southgate, quoted by skysports.com, said after the match.
He added: “Some people decided to boo. I really don’t understand what that’s for. We play Italy here on Tuesday, come on let’s get behind this team. I know we weren’t at our best tonight, but we made a lot of changes. This is a team that are delivering a lot and they all deserve every bit of support. We’re reviewing all of the [Henderson] games. I think he knitted and held things together quite a bit today. You need leadership, we didn’t have a lot of caps on the field so Hendo’s influence before the game, during the game was hugely important and he helped other players get through the game.”
Southgate was unable to understand how booing the former Liverpool midfielder would help the player or the team. “Well, yeah, I don’t really know where we are heading with everything. I’m hugely impressed with the impeccable values and decisions that everybody in our country is making then. Yeah, clearly, I don’t understand it. I know what’s created it and I know why it has happened, but it defies logic to me that you would give a player who is playing and putting his heart and soul into playing for England… why boo him? How is that going to help him or help the team?” he quizzed.
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