Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has told the BBC, as transcribed by the Liverpool Echo, that he has set his signs on a starting spot for England at the Euros, amid doubts over Jordan Pickford’s place in the team.
Pickford’s actions against Crystal Palace drew criticism from some of the Everton fan base last weekend, after the 25-year old suffered yet another mistake this season.
Christian Benteke was able to score his first goal of the campaign despite shooting tamely down Pickford’s throat, with the former Sunderland man letting the ball slip underneath his body for a goal that should have easily been saved.
Following the game, the debate began over whether Pickford was suitable to play for England at the upcoming Euros this summer, or whether he should be replaced as Gareth Southgate’s go-to goalkeeper.
Now Henderson, who is on-loan at Sheffield United from Manchester United this season, has revealed his desire to dislodge Pickford and stake his claim for the Three Lions starting spot.
Talking to the BBC after the Blades’ 2-1 win over Bournemouth, the currently uncapped goalkeeper revealed his England ambition. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Henderson said:
Hopefully I can nail down my position in the Euros squad, first and foremost.
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.
Obviously there are three great goalkeepers. We’ve got a great group and it’s going to be a great battle for the shirt.
Hopefully towards the summer it could be very interesting to see who gets the nod.
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Henderson’s ambition is valid, such has his form for Chris Wilder’s side been impressive this season. Writing about the goalkeeping competition last month, BBC Sport reported that Henderson ranked above Pickford, as well as Nick Pope, in regards to how few goals he had let in this season.
As of January 22, Pickford had conceded 35 times in 24 appearances, keeping just six clean sheets. Henderson on the other hand had conceded 20 in 23 games.
Meanwhile Henderson’s save percentage ranked above Manchester United first choice shot-stopper David de Gea, with the Spaniard only boasting 60.32% to Henderson’s 74.68%, as of January 22.
Where Henderson falls down though is in his passing ability, which could be an issue for him with Southgate often opting to play out from the back. Pickford’s kicking distribution has been particularly poor this season, however his accuracy in that department still stands at 56.77%, compared to Henderson’s 33.72%, both figures as of January 22.
