Dean Henderson
Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has admitted Jordan Pickford deserves to start for England this summer. Henderson has contended for the No.1 position at Old Trafford this season with David de Gea, and while the momentum once seemed firmly behind him in the race to earn the role permanently, the situation became increasingly volatile as the campaign ended. Everton’s Pickford made the starting XI on 31 occasions in the Premier League this season and his form, combined with his previous performances for England according to Henderson, make him a worthy starter in Gareth Southgate’s side at the tournament.
Dean Henderson said: “I’m ready to play when called upon. Jordan deserves this tournament, he was brilliant at the World Cup. I’ve got a lot of time for him, he’s a northern lad like me. He’s been fantastic in an England jersey, so he deserves this tournament. I’ll be there ready, like Sam [Johnstone] will as well, if the opportunity arises and one of us gets on the pitch. My aim for this tournament is to help Jordan in the best way I can and really support him so he can be the best for our country. Going out there with that badge on your chest, with your whole nation behind you, that’s something you’ve always dreamt about That song of Three Lions on the shirt and football coming home, that gives me goosebumps every time I read it. That’s inspired me since I was a very young boy.”
