Harry Kane talks about former Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson ahead of Ukraine match
England’s 1-1 draw to Ukraine in the 2024 UEFA Euro Qualification marked the return of Jordan Henderson to international football for the first time after his move from Liverpool to Saudi club Al Ettifaq. Ahead of the game, Harry Kane opened up about the potential reception that Henderson might receive from fans.
As Henderson took to the pitch, some fans hinted at expressing their views on his transfer to the Middle East. Kane acknowledged that fans are entitled to their opinions and also respects their right to express themselves. Here is what the Bayern Munich forward had to say about Hendo via ECHO:
“Every England fan is entitled to their opinions. The majority of the England fans will be behind the team and once the game starts will be fully behind everyone. Jordan is a good friend of mine and a great person. He has got a job to do tomorrow night, as we all have and that’s where his focus will be.”
Kane also emphasized his personal relationship with Henderson, describing him as a good friend and a great person. Despite the attention on Henderson’s move, Kane recognizes that all the players, including his close friend, have a job to do on the pitch, and their collective focus remains on performing at their best for the national team.
The dynamics of fan reactions to players who have made high-profile moves, or in this case, controversial moves have always been a talking point in football. Henderson’s transfer to Saudi Arabia has certainly generated significant discussion, and fans expressing their opinions is a part of the football landscape.
Was Hendo’s move wrong?
The match in itself, ended in a 1-1 draw with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kyle Walker scoring the goals for their respective teams. Hendo started the game for the Three Lions on the right side of the central three alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s withdrawal from the England squad meant that no Liverpool player was active for Gareth Southgate’s side.
While opinions may differ in the stands, the players, including Henderson, will be determined to deliver a strong performance and secure a positive result for their country in all games.
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The support and reception for players can evolve over time, and it will certainly be interesting to see how the fans react to Henderson in the future as time goes on.