Following the jeers from England supporters directed towards Jordan Henderson, team-mate Harry Maguire is the latest to stick up for the midfielder, claiming “proper England fans don’t boo players.”
Having been heckled as he came off in England’s friendly game against Australia on Friday, Henderson received a much better reception as he came on in the 70th minute against Italy last night.
Speaking to the media after his side secured a place in next year’s European Championships with a 3-1 win, Maguire said: “Proper England fans don’t boo players.
“Don’t boo players who dedicate their life to play and do everything they can to make this country have good memories and have special moments for them and their families.”
Henderson has become a target of criticism since his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, having been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community but now plying his trade in a country where homosexuality is illegal.
While the sounds of boos were significantly less, they were still audible around Wembley Stadium as the former Liverpool captain came on in what was England’s first victory over Italy at Wembley since 1977.
Several England players have spoken out in support of Henderson, as has manager Gareth Southgate.
