Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad weeks after his controversial move to Saudi Arabia.
Henderson had been seen as an LGBT+ ally, having spoken out about injustices and advocating inclusion, before he agreed to join Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, who are now managed by Steven Gerrard, another ex-Liverpool skipper.
The 33-year-old midfielder was sold for £12m and is reportedly earning close to £700,000 a week at his new club.
3LionsPride, a fan group for LGBT England fans, said it was “beyond disappointed” after he agreed to play in a country where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death.
However, England manager Southgate has decided to make Henderson available for their upcoming games against Ukraine and Scotland.
On the decision to select Henderson despite moving to Saudi Arabia and their lack of LGBT+ rights, Southgate said: “I think we are supportive of the LGBT+ community, a large number of the team and staff have either relatives or friends from that community.
“We have tried to be very supportive but I also accept members of the community felt let down.
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“You have to live your life as you see fit, I can only speak on a personal level and what the team represents and I try to be accepting of all cultures and understanding of everyone in different positions.
“If there is a feeling we haven’t done enough we have to accept that position, but it is not intentional, but these are all very complex situations that we are trying to do our best to navigate.”
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Southgate also admitted he has some concerns about whether Henderson will be able to “perform at the level we need” if he is picked for the next Euros squad.
Speaking after announcing his squad, Southgate said: “We’ve watched every game, the key as we move forward is going to be the physical intensity of the league, because of the heat as well, whether that is going to allow him to perform at the level we need.
“Clearly the level of the league is changing all the time, lots of countries are going to have this issue.
“Portugal have got a few players there so I’m sure they are going to be playing international football still.”
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The Three Lions will play Ukraine in a European Championship qualifier in Poland on 9 September.
They will then play a friendly against Scotland three days later.
Southgate has also picked former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips who have yet to play a minute of club football this season.
There is no place for Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling despite a strong start to his Premier League campaign.
Under-21 European Championship winner Levi Colwill received his first formal call-up and uncapped Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has also got the nod for the first time.
