After yet another brilliant goalkeeping performance yesterday, it is now surely impossible for England and Gareth Southgate to ignore Dean Henderson.
The Sheffield United stopper was in fine form as he kept Norwich City at bay. After keeping out Jamal Lewis, Henderson reacted brilliantly to twice deny the Canaries from a corner and keep his tenth clean sheet of the season.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: Dean Henderson of Sheffield United saves a shot from Mario Vrancic of Norwich City during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Norwich City at Bramall Lane on March 07, 2020 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
That second save from Henderson was nothing short of brilliant. After saving low in the corner, Henderson got his body in the way of the follow up before flinging a hand up to stop the third attempt from Norwich. David McGoldrick then helped finish off the clearance.
It was a game-changing moment in the game and the sort of moment that should make everyone sit up and take notice.
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Proving what Sheffield United fans already know
Sheffield United fans are already fully aware of Dean Henderson’s talents. After seeing him win the Golden Glove last season, Blades supporters have become accustomed to seeing their number one turn in excellent displays.
However, this yesterday was on another level. The Blades stopper had little to do throughout, in all honesty. He barely touched the ball in the opening 45 minutes and was relatively quiet until Lewis saw his effort saved.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: Dean Henderson of Sheffield United reacts after saving a shot from Mario Vrancic of Norwich City during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Norwich City at Bramall Lane on March 07, 2020 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
But the concentration levels and discipline showed from Henderson to keep the ball out proved why he is so highly-rated. It goes without saying, then, that Gareth Southgate surely cannot keep ignoring the Sheffield United man.
Henderson’s celebration at keeping the ball out showed what it meant to him. He is a stopper who is hell-bent on keeping clean-sheets. The 22-year-old knew there and then that he’d won the game for his team. It’s those sorts of moments that separate the average stoppers from the very best.
Pickford under pressure
As most football fans know, things haven’t been going smoothly for Jordan Pickford. That’s not to say he’s not a top goalkeeper because he still is.
But Southgate has said in the past he will pick players on their form if he can. Henderson, and Burnley stopper Nick Pope, are certainly in better form than the Everton man.
With two friendlies coming up in the next few weeks, it really does seem a case of now or never for Southgate when it comes to Dean Henderson. Surely, the England coach has to select the Blades star and at least give him his chance ahead of Euro 2020.
