Jordan HєɴԀersonis confident there is “no ɾєɑȿօɴ” he cannot continue to representEnglanddespite his controversial move toSaudi Arabia.
The formerLiverpoolcaptain called an єɴԀ to a trophy-laden spell at Anfield to make a lucrative move toSteven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq last month.
Given the 33-year-old’s previous support for inclusivity in football, HєɴԀerson hasfaced a backlash from LGBTQ+ supporters’ groupsfor moving to a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.
On the pitch, doubt has been raised about the midfielder’s international career.
While HєɴԀerson is one of the more experienced members of theEnglandsquad, the Saudi Pro League does not offer the same level of competition as the Premier League or Champions League.
Gareth Southgate recently claimed it would be “stupid” to blindly overlook HєɴԀerson and the player is confident he will still be involved when theThree Lionsplay against Ukraine and Scotland next month.
“I’m focused on playing for Ettifaq and playing my best. If I’m doing that then there’s no ɾєɑȿօɴ why I can’t play forEngland, as the gaffer said,” he told Beanyman Sports.
“Obviously we spoke over the last few weeks about it because playing forEnglandmeans a lot to me and I feel as though I can still bring a lot to the team as I have in the last few games in the World Cup.”
Of his decision to move to Saudi Arabia, HєɴԀerson said the chance to work with Gerrard again was a driving factor.
“Stevie was a big ɾєɑȿօɴ obviously why I came,” he added.
“To work with him and play under him.
“We need to be ready in the first week or so for the first game, but I’m sure we will be. We’ve had some good training sessions.
“So hopefully we can keep moving things in the right direction and definitely work together to try to make the team better and more successful.”
