With a first-half penalty save, goalkeeper Dean Henderson continued making headlines for Sheffield United. On loan from Manchester United for the last two seasons, Henderson has now made a claim for a spot in England’s Euro 2020 squad.
The Sheffield United fans at Bramall Lane on Tuesday greeted Henderson’s penalty save with chants of ‘England’s no. 1’ and ‘Deano’.
He’s endeared himself to supporters of the Yorkshire club, but more importantly, he’s shown his brilliance to England boss Gareth Southgate.
Dean Henderson continues superb penalty saving record
Denying Gabriel Jesus was the fifth time, out of only 10 opportunities, that Henderson has kept someone out from the penalty spot in his blossoming career. Nick Harris revealed on Twitter that Henderson’s record is just as good when taking into account his performances as a youth player for England.
In the first half alone of Tuesday night’s game against Manchester City, Henderson made excellent saves to frustrate Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Otamendi. He headed into the match leading the Premier League charts for cleansheets with eight this campaign.
City did manage to beat Henderson in the end, taking apart the Sheffield United defence and leaving Henderson half-stranded. A wonderful pass from Kevin de Bruyne managed to do that and Henderson could do little about Sergio Aguero finishing off the move.
Video: Henderson denies City player from penalty spot
Henderson looked destined to leave Manchester United last summer with his contract expiring. But the club were desperate to keep one of the finest goalkeeping talents in the country. To do so, it’s likely they assured him that he’d be allowed to challenge David de Gea in future.
Henderson could challenge De Gea next season
The Spanish number one for United has come under pressure over the last 18 months and mistakes have become more regular than the club’s coaches and supporters would like. Henderson will offer a genuine challenge if he returns to United next season.
In the nearer future, Henderson has the opportunity to become England’s number one. Jordan Pickford currently holds that position and did so at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Henderson was part of the most recent England squad but is yet to make his debut. He’ll need to do so in the March friendlies if he’s to have any chance of becoming the regular starter before the Euros.
It remains quite unlikely but if Henderson keeps this brilliant form up for Sheffield United, it can’t be long before there is a genuine debate over England’s goalkeeping position.
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