Harry Maguire attacks England fans for booing Jordan Henderson as LGBTQ backlash continues in Italy win
Harry Maguire has defended Jordan Henderson after England beat Italy in their Euro 2024 qualifying clash
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Harry Maguire has slammed England fans who booed Jordan Henderson following their 3-1 win over Italy on Tuesday night.
The Three Lions booked their place at Euro 2024 after a brace from Harry Kane and second half strike from Marcus Rashford.
As England won the match, Henderson came on.
And the midfielder was booed and jeered by some fans, with many believing he let the LGBTQ community down by leaving Liverpool for Al-Ettifaq back in the summer.
England news: Jordan Henderson was booed in Italy win as LGBTQ backlash continues
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Henderson has long been an ally of the community, having regularly worn rainbow armbands and laces as Liverpool captain.
But he's faced a backlash over his decision to move to Saudi, a country where homosexuality is illegal and even punishable by death.
Henderson has attempted to excuse his Saudi switch - yet that's done nothing to prevent the boo boys from being heard.
And Maguire has now fiercely defended his team-mate, insisting 'proper' England fans don't turn on their players.
"Proper England fans don't boo players," said the Manchester United star.
"Don't boo players who dedicate their life to play and do everything they can to make this country have good memories and have special moments for them and their families."
Maguire knows all about being booed.
The United star has suffered a big dip in form over the past couple of years, leading to big abuse online.
But he feels genuine supporters are backing both himself and Henderson, adding: “I know a lot of top England fans and they’re the England fans who’ve been with me ever since I made my debut.
"They’re right behind me and they’re right behind Jordan as well.
“You hear a lot of cheers, yeah a few jeers, but they’re not England fans.”
While some fans booed, England were able to put Italy to the sword on a fine night of action at Wembley.
Gianluca Scamacca put the visitors ahead, with the West Ham flop opening the scoring in the 15th minute.
After that, though, England stepped up and were able to turn the match around.
Kane netted a brace either side of a goal from Rashford, who now feels he's delivering the best football of his international career.
"We started the game well. We were unlucky to concede the goal," said the forward, who has scored just once for Manchester United so far this season.
"A couple of times in the first half they caught us on the overload.
"We kept cool heads and trying to play the football we had played in training and it paid off.
"Maybe [I am playing the best football of my international career]. I feel like I am ready to kick on.
"It is about winning as many games as possible for me, whether you start or are on the bench.
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Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford delivered as England beat Italy 3-1 at Wembley
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"When it is your moment you have to take it."
Manchester City star Phil Foden added: "It was a brilliant performance, I thought our defensive work in particular was excellent.
"When you come up against the likes of Italy you have to defend sometimes, they have great quality, and I thought we showed that throughout the game.
"Delighted with the result. That's where we want to be, beating these big teams consistently.
"Bukayo [Saka] is a quality player, every time he pulls on the England shirt he puts in a 7/10 at least every time. If I'm not starting I want to try and come on and change the game, I'm here to help the team as best as I can.
"It's exciting because it shows we still have players to come back into the side and help us push forwards. It just shows the depth in quality that the squad has."