Sheffield United goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, has admitted that he has eyes firmly on snatching the England number one spot this summer.
Henderson has, as yet, being unused by Gareth Southgate at international level. This, despite being called up to the last couple of squads.
But after another impressive display this weekend and another Jordan Pickford error, calls are becoming increasingly prominent when it comes to Henderson being given his chance for his country.
And speaking before the game with Bournemouth, Henderson made no secret of his desire to usurp Pickford.
“Hopefully I can nail down my position in the Euros squad, first and foremost,” Henderson said. (BBC Sport)
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“Being ambitious like I am, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. I’ve got my eyes on the shirt. I’ve just got to keep performing, keep doing well and hopefully get an opportunity because you can’t prove anything without an opportunity, then see where we are in the summer.”
Henderson failed to keep a clean sheet this weekend but has got nine to his name already. That puts him at the top of the charts alongside Alisson and fellow England stopper, Nick Pope.
Last season, Henderson won the Championship’s Golden Glove award. He’s currently in his second spell with the Blades and Chris Wilder has already admitted he would love to bring the stopper back next term.
Southgate simply has to act
There’s nothing wrong with Gareth Southgate keeping faith with Jordan Pickford. It’s easy to forget that this is a goalkeeper who was lauded 18 months ago in the World Cup.
Furthermore, he’s still a very good ‘keeper. Yes, he’s made the odd error but that can happen.
However, Henderson’s form can simply not be ignored. Ever since making a mistake against Liverpool, he has been relatively faultless. It’s worth mentioning, too, that Nick Pope has also been in fine form.
But if there was ever a time for Henderson to be given a go, it’s now. England needs to know how they’ll cope without Pickford. It goes without saying, then, that Henderson should be given a deserved chance.