Jordan Henderson named in England squad weeks after controversial Saudi move
"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.
Malaga fans pretend random visitor is Spanish football club's new player in prank protest at lack of signings Women's World Cup: Spain's Olga Carmona learns of father's death after game Sadness in Sydney for England as Spain turns disharmony into delirium "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."Read more:Henderson move condemned by LGBT+ fans Who's really the most expensive Premier League transfer ever?Gary Lineker says he knows two gay Premier League starsSouthgate 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.
