14 March 2024 , 21:56
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Jordan Henderson was loudly booed by Aston Villa fans as the Ajax midfielder endured a night to forget in the Europa Conference League.
The former Liverpool star was named in Ajax’s starting line-up for their clash with the Midlands side on Thursday evening. It was just the second time he had played on English soil since quitting Anfield for Saudi side Al-Ettifaq.
Villa fans loudly booed the midfielder ahead of kick-off, while it was a similar theme throughout the game. He had also been booed at Wembley in October by England fans.
Henderson’s outing at Villa Park came on the same day that he was controversially named in the latest Three Lions squad. Southgate’s side take on Brazil and Belgium in international friendlies later this month - games in which Henderson could play a part.
The 33-year-old was expected to fall out of international contention following his move to Saudi Arabia - and subsequent switch to Ajax in January. Explaining why he had chosen to welcome Henderson back to the fold, Southgate said: “We did speak.
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“I'm obviously not going to divulge that conversation but yes it is good to see him back playing in a league that's probably easier to assess, and of course is playing European football as well, where he had the game against Villa last week, which is easier for us to see the level he's operating at. He has had a big influence on Ajax since he's been there, and I know they are very happy with him.
“We know what he brings, we know the leadership he brings, and you saw in the game last week, the game understanding he has, and we must have some balance with all of the attacking players that we have. Hendo is somebody that brings a lot to the team.”
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Gary Lineker had previously claimed that Henderson should not have been called up for England after leaving the Premier League. Speaking to The Rest is Football podcast last year, he said: "I am a huge admirer of Jordan Henderson. He has been an unbelievable footballer. I did a similar thing, I moved abroad at the very end of my career to earn a few bob and get a different experience.
"I think then, that is semi-retirement, I don't think you should play international football. As soon as I made that decision, I withdrew from international football to take the problem away from the manager at the time.”
He added: "Personally, I don't think a player - if they are going to make a move for a big pay day at the end of their career - I don't think they should still be playing for their country, unless there were extreme circumstances or we had a dearth of talent and we absolutely do not in the midfield area."
Henderson’s stint with Ajax has not gone to plan so far. Ahead of the trip to Villa, he had won just once in seven games. Ajax then found themselves 2-0 down to the Premier League side before Sivert Mannsverk was sent off. Jhon Duran and Moussa Diaby extended Villa's lead in the closing stages to round off a humiliating evening for the Dutch side and Henderson.
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