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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
David Hytner

Jordan Henderson rejects ‘cheerleader’ criticism as new England chapter calls

Jordan Henderson jokes around during an England training session
Thomas Tuchel contacted Jordan Henderson after staff and players spoke of his influence on and off the pitch. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

With Jordan Henderson, it is always tempting to focus on the rebound relationship, what he did after his departure from Liverpool in the summer of 2023. Because goodness knows, if the move to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia seemed like a bad idea, the reality was even worse.

Henderson’s reputation was trashed after he was accused of putting financial gain before his support of LGBTQ+ rights. He was booed on England duty by the Wembley crowd. Even after jumping back to Ajax in January 2024, it felt as if the collateral damage continued. Henderson, who is now at Brentford, was overlooked by Gareth Southgate for his Euro 2024 squad, having been involved throughout qualification. It was the beginning of a long international exile.

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