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Jordan Henderson after the match against Australia
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HANNAH MCKAY/REUTERS
England international Jordan Henderson has defended himself against criticism of his move to Saudi Arabia and is in favour of hosting the 2034 World Cup in his new adopted home. "These are exciting times for them as a country and I think it will be a special tournament when they get it," Henderson told reporters ahead of the next qualifier against Italy on Tuesday (20:45 CET). During the 1-0 friendly win against Australia, the 33-year-old was whistled by the English fans because he had moved to the controversial country in the summer.
As things stand, if the 2034 World Cup were to be held in Saudi Arabia, Henderson would have no worries at all. "I've been there for two months and there haven't been any problems with fans or anything like that. If we look at Qatar, it was a good tournament. I think the fans enjoyed the tournament and I think it will be no different in Saudi Arabia," said Henderson, who plays for Al-Ettifaq.
Hitzlsperger criticized change
National coach Gareth Southgate had defended Henderson after the whistle. He said he could not understand why a player who "gave his heart and soul to England" was not supported. How is that going to help him or the team?" Numerous fans, especially from the LGBTQ+ community, had criticized Henderson for the change. The midfielder had repeatedly spoken out against homophobia before his move. The abbreviation LGBTIQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, intersex, queer and others. Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia.
Former Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger, who made his homosexuality public years ago, accused Henderson of hypocrisy in his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights shortly after his move. The 33-year-old can basically "play wherever he wants to play," Hitzlsperger wrote on Twitter. However, he is "curious" to see what the new Henderson brand will look like. The old one is dead."
kjo/dpa