Jordan Henderson’s substitute appearance in England’s 3-0 win over USA on Thursday night was the subject of criticism from a section of Three Lions fans on Twitter.
England earned a comfortable 3-0 success over their opponents at Wembley, sealing a fitting result to crown Wayne Rooney’s final appearance in a monumental career for his nation.
Jordan Henderson (49) has now made the same number of appearances for England as Geoff Hurst and Ron Flowers.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 15, 2018
Level with legends. 女 pic.twitter.com/L6P4VjTwf9
However, Rooney was not the only point of focus for some, as a number of fans on Twitter singled out Liverpool star Henderson for his performance after making a 58th minute entry into the fray at Wembley.
Henderson was drafted into the match by manager Gareth Southgate as a second half substitute for Tottenham star Dele Alli, as a number of England’s more senior stars were rested.
The heavy rotation was likely with a UEFA Nations League clash with Croatia on Sunday in mind. However, midfielder Henderson was among the star names to be called upon from the bench in the later phases of the friendly match against USA on Thursday night.
League goals and assists this season:
— bet365 (@bet365) November 8, 2018
Bradley Dack - 9
Ross Barkley - 6
Dele Alli - 1
Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 1
Fabian Delph - 0
Jordan Henderson - 0
Jesse Lingard - 0
Harry Winks - 0 pic.twitter.com/7z0mvCq8id
The former Sunderland star has become an increasingly key figure for Liverpool since completing his move to Anfield from Wearside in 2011.
Henderson has held his own in an increased battle for places under Jurgen Klopp this term, amid the summer signings of Naby Keita and Fabinho as star midfield additions. Alongside England veteran James Milner, Henderson has continued to prove his worth for his club.
FT: England 3-0 USA
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 15, 2018
A convincing victory at Wembley for the #ThreeLions, with goals from Lingard, Alexander-Arnold and Wilson.#ENGvUSA #bbcfootball https://t.co/K07W1M9Qzi pic.twitter.com/9KztBkJ8tT
However, the Reds’ captain was subject to some derision for his performance at Wembley. A number of fans used Wayne Rooney as a point of contrast to Henderson, with many arguing that they would rather see the former in the England side.
Here is a selection of the reaction of some fans on Twitter to Jordan Henderson’s performance on Thursday night:
It's disrespectful imo that Henderson was on the field with Rooney
— David (@D_Ellison) 15 November 2018
I think it’s more of a crime that Jordan Henderson gets anywhere near that side ....Yet everyone’s banging on about Rooney not deserving it! @WayneRooney just done more in 30 minutes in that game than @JHenderson has done throughout his entire England Career! #stoleacareer #wazza
— Stores_8 (@stores_8) 15 November 2018
And the last 30 minutes show why Henderson and Dier ought to retire with Rooney #England
— Phil Wilko (@NFFC1967) 15 November 2018
I'd rather have Rooney in the England squad than either Dier or Henderson 😏 #ENGvUSA
— Mike Hall (@mhallscouse_) 15 November 2018
I’d pick @WayneRooney over Dier or Henderson any day of the week, give them a send off instead! #ENGvUSA
— Patrick O' Kane (@PatrickOKanejr) 15 November 2018
Rooney has created more than Henderson an Dier in the last 30 mins that them 2 have since Rooney last wore the 3 lions on his chest. Such a stale boring midfield we have.
— Jamie (@jamjamjam87) 15 November 2018
Can Rooney not just take Henderson’s place in the squad 😳😳 class is permanent #HeadlessChickenHenderson
— Jonny G (@GodsmarkJonny) 15 November 2018
Source: 90min
