England fans make feelings crystal clear on Jordan Henderson after Declan Rice decision
Gareth Southgate's bold call to name Jordan Henderson in the starting line-up has not been received well by the England faithful who would have preferred Declan Rice in the midfield
England fans did not take kindly to Gareth Southgate's decision to start Jordan Henderson over Declan Rice against Malta.
The Three Lions welcomed Malta to Wembley for a Euro 2024 qualifier and Southgate's starting XI raised eyebrows among supporters, particularly the decision to start the 33-year-old former Liverpool captain over Arsenal's £105million man Declan Rice.
The Gunners ace has been in fine form for Mikel Arteta's men this term, but did not get a start for the visit of the European minnows; in a game England were expected to win comfortably, he was rested.
But with many feeling that Henderson's international career would be on the decline since his move to Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq in the summer from Liverpool, many couldn't believe he was at the centre of a new-look midfield, also featuring Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher.
READ MORE: Sky Bet free bets & signup offer - £40 in Free Bets when you place any betREAD MORE: Gareth Southgate told "now's the time" to end England trophy droughtFans took to social media in their droves to express their disappointment, with one X user writing: "F****** Jordan Henderson again. What’s the point of that. JWP [James Ward Prowse] or anyone else could be getting some game time under them not yesterday’s man. Hate that I’m bothered."
His sentiments were echoed by another annoyed fan who added: "Jordan Henderson starting in a pointless game against Malta - Southgate 101." One particular irate supporter wrote: "They better boo Jordan Henderson again."
Henderson's first game back at Wembley for his country after the Saudi summer switch was marred by boos and jeers from England fans. That response inspired a fierce defence of him from Southgate.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Southgate wrong for starting Henderson against Malta? Comment below
Speaking after the 1-0 win over Australia, Southgate told reporters: "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.
"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."
Friday night saw Wembley pay its respects to Sir Bobby Charlton, the Manchester United and England icon, following his death at the age of 86 last month. Southgate was at Charlton's funeral at Manchester Cathedral on Monday.
There was a pre-match ceremony, period of applause and players wore black armbands in memory of a man whose importance to English football was reiterated to the squad this week.
“A big part of what we’ve wanted to do with our players is to talk about our identity as a team,” England boss Southgate said. “Part of that is knowing the history of our team and having an understanding of how special some of the players that have been England internationals before are.
“We’ve had the chance to do that this week. We showed some footage of Sir Bobby to the players, the first day we arrived.
“You can have a fabulous club career and an international career. At times those things can come into conflict because club managers of course have got to look after their own roles and responsibilities, and that can put players in difficult positions with all international teams, frankly. But your international team will always be there as well and if you can win something with your international team, it’s probably bigger than anything else you’re going to experience.
“So, there were lots of messages within that for all of the players but, most importantly, an incredible player, an incredible man.”
England starting XI vs Malta: Pickford; Trippier, Tomori, Maguire, Guehi; Henderson, Gallagher, Alexander-Arnold; Foden, Kane, Rashford
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