- Dean Henderson has been excellent for Crystal Palace
- Likely to be on plane to World Cup
- Should be the Three Lions’ long-term number one
Dean Henderson embodies the unrivalled passion of Crystal Palace fans every time he’s between the sticks for his club. That’s why Oliver Glasner immediately put the captain’s armband on him following Marc Guehi’s sale.
This is Henderson’s third season at Selhurst Park, and he continues to impress with consistent performances. His former club, Manchester United, failed to realise that David de Gea’s replacement was staring them right in the face.
While the 29-year-old remains an undisputed starter for Glasner, he’s yet to take the number one shirt at international level. Understandably so, given Jordan Pickford’s reliability for the Three Lions.
England Must go With Hendo
Pickford will undoubtedly be Thomas Tuchel’s number one at the World Cup this summer. The 32-year-old has retained this status ever since the German succeeded Gareth Southgate in January 2025.
There shouldn’t be any doubts over Henderson also making the trip to the United States, Mexico and Canada. In fact, the Eagles’ shot-stopper should be Pickford’s understudy.
Looking beyond the World Cup is intriguing, as it raises questions about veteran players’ futures in the Three Lions team. One of those is Pickford, who is nearing the age at which a long-term heir should be waiting in the wings.
James Trafford’s age puts the 23-year-old in strong contention to be England’s number one in years to come. But once Pickford does call time on his international career, it should be Henderson who replaces him.
Henderson has shown he can handle the pressure, displaying clear leadership qualities that are required of a Three Lions goalkeeper. He speaks extremely well, and his shot-stopping abilities have earned him praise throughout his spell at Selhurst Park.
England have a difficult relationship with penalty shootouts, but Henderson thrives in such situations. Take, for example, his save from Omar Marmoush in the Eagles’ FA Cup win last season.
The next major competition after the World Cup is Euro 2028, which will be co-hosted on home soil. By the time the tournament arrives, Tuchel should have turned to ‘Hendo’.
Henderson: I’m up There With the Best
Palace fans have taken to Henderson ever since he joined from United in a £20m deal in August 2023. No questions were asked about him being the right man for the captaincy after Guehi’s departure to Manchester City.
Henderson himself is confident in his abilities and feels he’s shown he is worthy of being England number one. He said last summer (via FotMob):
“You can only go off my form this season – I am up there with the best in the league goalkeepers wise,” said Henderson when asked about the level he has reached with his performances for Crystal Palace this season. Of course I know my level. The reality is that the only way you get seen is producing it week in, week out, and I have been doing that.”
Henderson has appeared 39 times across competitions this season, keeping 15 clean sheets. He was a mainstay between the sticks until illness saw him miss a 0-0 draw against Leeds United and 2-1 win over AEK Larnaca.
The Palace shot-stopper will be hoping to captain his club to Europa Conference League glory come May. He might then have his sights set on taking Pickford’s place in the England starting lineup.
