Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has publicly endorsed his goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, to mount a serious challenge for the England number one position currently held by Jordan Pickford.
From Palace's No.1 to England Contender
The Austrian coach revealed that Henderson's journey to becoming the Eagles' undisputed first-choice was not entirely straightforward. When Glasner took over at Selhurst Park in February 2024, fellow former Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was in possession of the starting spot.
However, fate intervened the following month when Johnstone suffered an elbow injury while on international duty with England. The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season, and he never played for Palace again, eventually being sold to Wolves for £10 million.
Seizing the Opportunity
This unexpected turn of events opened the door for Henderson, who had previously struggled to displace David de Gea during his time at Old Trafford. The goalkeeper seized his chance emphatically.
Henderson's fine form was a key factor in Crystal Palace's successful FA Cup campaign, which culminated in him saving a penalty in the final to help his club lift the trophy. His performances have not gone unnoticed by the national team setup.
He has since won his fourth senior cap for England, featuring in the match against Albania earlier this month, and is now widely considered Pickford's primary rival for the starting role under manager Thomas Tuchel.
Glasner's Clear Philosophy
Ahead of Palace's match against Manchester United, Glasner explained his clear-headed approach to managing his goalkeepers. "I always want to have a clear No.1," he stated. "I think every goalkeeper needs the confidence that he's the No.1. Because as a goalkeeper, if you make a mistake, usually it's a goal."
He emphasised the importance of giving his chosen keeper the full trust and confidence of the management, allowing them to play without fear. This philosophy led to him confirming Henderson as his number one for the previous season, a decision that ultimately led to Johnstone's departure.
Glasner was unequivocal in his praise for Henderson's current contributions, saying, "Dean is doing, really, fantastic and deserves to play for England." He did, however, offer a light-hearted nod to the current incumbent, adding, "But also, to be fair, when I watched Man United against Everton, Jordan Pickford did quite well!"
The stage is now set for a compelling battle for the England goalkeeper's shirt, with Dean Henderson firmly in the picture thanks to his club manager's faith and his own standout performances.
