Game Changer: Jordan Henderson ready to lead England despite LGBTQ+ backlash

Despite facing backlash from the LGBTQ+ community, Jordan Henderson is anticipated to feature in England's European Qualifier against Ukraine on Saturday. The former Liverpool captain, known for actively advocating LGBTQ+ rights, has received widespread criticism for joining Saudi club Al Ettifaq during the recent summer transfer window. It is noteworthy that homosexuality is considered illegal in Saudi Arabia, with potential capital punishment as a consequence.

England's LGBTQ+ supporters group, Three Lions Pride, has declared that they will visibly express their dissatisfaction if Henderson continues to represent his country, following his selection by manager Gareth Southgate for the September internationals. Southgate stated that if England's LGBTQ+ fans rejected the team because of Henderson's involvement, it would be disheartening for the player.

When questioned about the protest, Southgate mentioned that Jordan expressed his sadness regarding the way they felt. He reassured that his sentiments towards that community remain unchanged. He further added that he believes as a team, all of our fans will support us once the game commences.

I acknowledge and appreciate some of the comments that have been stated. Additionally, I hold respect for the aforementioned comments. It has been mentioned that there is support for the team during games, and I am confident that the same support will be extended towards Jordan when the game commences. We anticipate that Henderson will begin in a three-man midfield, alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.

When asked if Southgate had considered removing Henderson from the spotlight, the England manager replied, "I don't make team selections based on external reactions, as I'm sure you know from the past seven years. Henderson is a highly experienced and mature professional who can handle any situation. He has trained excellently this week, along with the entire group, and it is reassuring that everyone is fit and available for us."

What Henderson said this week

When his relocation to Saudi Arabia was concluded, recent statements from Henderson in 2021 - expressing his astonishment at the notion of participating in a society that discriminates against individuals based on their identity - came to light.

During his interview with The Athletic earlier this week, the English midfielder defended his choice to move to Saudi Arabia, asserting that he strongly believed it was the correct course of action.

"All I've ever strived for is to be of assistance," Henderson stated in the interview. "And whenever I've been called upon for aid, I have gone the extra mile to provide support. I have actively participated in various activities, such as wearing laces and armbands, and engaging with individuals within that particular community, all in an effort to utilize my influence to assist them. That has always been my sole intention.

"I am not inclined to question or resent the criticism directed towards me. I comprehend it completely. These considerations were all in my mind, and it's evident that I genuinely care."

Henderson explanation for Saudi move fails to convince

We, Adam Bate, take heartfelt offense when we come across comments such as, "You've turned your back on us." This deeply affects us. It is important to note that we genuinely care about this matter. Our own loved ones and friends belong to the LGBTQ+ community. We are fully aware of who we are and what principles we uphold. However, we understand that not everyone will comprehend our stance, and we are willing to accept that. As a result, we extend our apologies to those individuals who feel hurt or betrayed by our position.

People hoping for Jordan Henderson to provide a convincing explanation for his move to Saudi Arabia would have been disappointed. Although the quotes were fresh, the arguments presented were not innovative. In an interview with The Athletic, Henderson emphasized that the current commotion could have been prevented if Liverpool had made a greater effort to retain him. He stated, "If someone had expressed their desire for me to stay, we wouldn't be discussing this matter."

He tries to present his hesitance towards joining another Premier League club as a display of his loyalty. His insistence on playing more frequently is meant to showcase his dedication to representing his country. "England holds great significance for me. With the Euros on the horizon."

"However, it does not manage to persuade."

Read Adam Bate's analysis of Henderson's Saudi move in full

Merson Says: England midfield selections are ridiculous

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Jordan Henderson was picked by Gareth Southgate (left) instead of West Ham's James Ward-Prowse

We pundit Paul Merson:

Upon the squad's emergence, Trent Alexander-Arnold stood tall as one of the midfielders. For James Ward-Prowse, this sight might evoke thoughts of never representing England. Comparatively, Jordan Henderson finds himself participating in the Saudi league, performing in front of a modest crowd of 6,000 individuals every week. In contrast, Ward-Prowse excels at West Ham, presenting a commendable performance.

"He has been a key figure in transforming the game, yet he is constantly overlooked. It's absolutely absurd.

"Alexander-Arnold, primarily known as a defender, had the opportunity to play one match in midfield for England against Malta. To be honest... Malta. I would anticipate a professional footballer in the renowned Premier League to perform admirably in midfield against Malta."

"And what about Kalvin Phillips? He doesn't play football.

"When I played, if Gazza [Paul Gascoigne] wasn't playing, he wouldn't get picked - and he was the best player by a million miles.

Gareth Southgate would have been extremely frustrated if he had been performing exceptionally well during his time at Aston Villa, but another center-back, who wasn't even featuring for his own club, was consistently getting selected ahead of him. It would have been hard for anyone not to feel angry in such a situation.

Although Gareth might argue that "these players don't disappoint him," the issue lies in the fact that if they ever do let him down, he will be in significant trouble. He is taking a significant risk by depending so heavily on them.