Gareth Southgate criticises England fans over Jordan Henderson jeers

England manager Gareth Southgate has criticised fans after midfielder Jordan Henderson was jeered by home fans during the friendly win over Australia at Wembley Stadium.

Captain Henderson, 33, was booed by a section of fans when he was substituted in the 62nd minute of the 1-0 victory on Friday night.

The reaction to Henderson, who left Liverpool to join Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq in the summer, clearly annoyed Southgate who lept to his player's defence after the match.

“I really don't understand it. He's a player who has won 79 caps for England and his commitment and what he has delivered for England is exceptional,” Southgate told reporters.

“He's a brilliant role model for all of the group in his professionalism and his approach. Some people deciding to boo, I really don't understand what that is for. Come on – we play Italy on Tuesday and let's get behind this team.

“I don't really know where we are heading with everything. I'm hugely impressed with the impeccable values and decisions that everyone in our country is making now.

“I know what's created it and it's happened but it defies logic to me that you would give a player – who is putting his heart and soul into playing for England – why you would boo him?”

A goal from Ollie Watkins earned Southgate's much-changed side secure an unconvincing win.

Henderson, Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold were the only players with more than 10 caps in Southgate's starting line-up and it showed in an incoherent display.

England manager Gareth Southgate said the jeering of Jordan Henderson by some home fans at Wembley 'defies logic'. Getty

Among the new faces in England's unfamiliar line-up were Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, making his debut in a back four