England fans question Gareth Southgate for selecting Jordan Henderson in his squad and say Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo should’ve been picked instead.
Southgate named a 25-man party for the two friendlies on Thursday afternoon, with the midfielder, Jordan Henderson, keeping his place despite enduring a tumultuous campaign.
Henderson, 33, controversially joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq back in the summer, but struggled with Steven Gerrard‘s side.
Henderson failed to settle at the club due to family reasons as well as discomfort with the climate, while he was also concerned about losing his England place for this summer’s European Championship.
The former Liverpool captain subsequently terminated his contract and joined Ajax in January, signing a two-and-a-half year deal with the Dutch giants, where he has since been appointed captain.
Along with Henderson’s difficulties, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Curtis Jones and Ross Barkley have enjoyed impressive seasons. Unfortunately, Southgate snubbed them and kept faith with the 33-year-old.
And, despite the fact Henderson has rarely let the Three Lions down, fans were quick to hit out at Southgate keeping him in his squad.
‘Jordan Henderson somehow getting in the squad. Southgate isn’t the one,’ one furious fan said, before another added: ‘JORDAN HENDERSON ARE YOU ACTUALLY JOKING RIGHT NOW.’
Meanwhile, a further supporter said: ‘What does Jordan Henderson have on Southgate?”
Another quipped: ‘JORDAN HENDERSON OVER KOBBIE MAINOO I OFFICIALLY GIVE UP ON FOOTBALL.’
Further supporters could barely hide their frustration that Southgate had kept faith with the Ajax midfielder. A fan quipped: ‘Ain’t no way he picked Henderson,’ as another fumed: ‘Henderson,’ accompanied by three laughing emojis”.
Henderson was heavily criticised back in the summer for moving to a nation where homosexuality is illegal, with the midfielder previously a big advocate for LGBTQ rights during his time at Liverpool.
The midfielder was even booed off by England fans against Australia in October in what was his first appearance at Wembley since the controversial move to Saudi Arabia.
However, Southgate has long-been loyal to Henderson and even went out to the Netherlands to watch the midfielder’s debut for Ajax last month.
Henderson will be desperate to keep his place ahead of Euro 2024. He further hopes to represent England at what would be his seventh major tournament for the Three Lions.
However, it was bad news for Henderson’s fellow midfielder Kalvin Phillips, with the West Ham loanee dropped after struggling for form and fitness in recent months.