- Dean Henderson on England ‘togetherness’ at World Cup
- Crystal Palace goalkeeper highlights team bond
- Set to deputise for Jordan Pickford
Dean Henderson has explained that there is a different vibe amongst the England camp at this year’s World Cup. The Crystal Palace goalkeeper is the only Eagles star to have made Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
The Three Lions kickstart their campaign on Wednesday (June 17th) against Croatia in Group L. Henderson is likely to be on the substitutes’ bench as Jordan Pickford remains number one.
Henderson has experienced major international tournaments before. He was included in Gareth Southgate’s squads for Euro 2024 and the 2022 World Cup.
“That togetherness” – Henderson on England camp
Henderson spoke to talkSPORT ahead of England’s opener against Croatia. Asked whether there’s more togetherness in this current camp, he responded:
“I had a great time, we connected in Traitors and Wolf and there were different things going on around camps.”
He added:
“But this time around, it feels like something different. We’ve had some time together, and it’s been really good. I think ultimately, if you come into a tournament like this and want to win it, you’ve got to have that togetherness and want to go to war for each other. You’ve really got to love your mate beside you.”
England are set for their first tournament under Tuchel, whose squad selection raised eyebrows. Particularly, his decision to omit Adam Wharton from his 26-man squad.
Tuchel will be hoping to take the English one step further than Southgate and win a first trophy since 1966. The Three Lions finished runners-up at Euro 2020 and 2024 and were knocked out of the 2022 World Cup by France in the quarter-finals.
Hendo for number one?
Henderson might not be a starter for England but he is a huge character in the dressing room. His leadership and work ethic are largely why Oliver Glasner handed him the Palace captain’s armband earlier this year.
There’s a good chance the former Manchester United goalkeeper will one day become his nation’s number one. Pickford is now 32 and not getting any younger while Henderson is 29 and reaching his peak.
