England manager Gareth Southgate has claimed he 'doesn't understand' why fans would boo Jordan Henderson after the midfielder was jeered off in their friendly win over Australia at Wembley.
Henderson was booed on and off the pitch as captain by a section of England fans during the 1-0 win on Friday night.
The midfielder was appearing at the national stadium for the first time since his controversial move to the Saudi Pro League in the summer.
Southgate rode to Henderson's defence post-match, claiming boos for the midfielder 'defied logic'.
'I really don’t understand it. I don’t understand what that is for,' Southgate said.
'We’ve got players in England shirts. Come on, let’s get behind this team.
'This is a team that is delivering a lot and they deserve everybody’s support.'
Southgate was asked whether the response to Henderson was as a result of his move to Saudi Arabia, with the former Liverpool captain facing accused of turning his back on LGBTQ+ fans.
'What has that got to do with supporting a guy who is wearing an England shirt? I don’t really know where we’re heading with everything.
'I’m hugely impressed with the impeccable values and decisions that everyone in this country is making, then.
'Clearly I don’t understand it. I know what’s created it and I know why it’s happened but it’s defied logic to me to give a player who is giving his heart and soul into playing for England, to boo him.
'I don’t know how that helps him or the team.'