---
title: "Henderson wants England spot amid Pickford concerns"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/henderson-wants-england-spot-amid-pickford-concerns/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2020-02-11T13:00:00Z"
modified: "2020-02-11T13:00:00Z"
---

# Henderson wants England spot amid Pickford concerns

Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has told the [BBC, as transcribed by the Liverpool Echo](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rival-warns-evertons-jordan-pickford-17721999), that he has set his signs on a starting spot for England at the Euros, amid doubts over Jordan Pickford’s place in the team.

Pickford’s actions against Crystal Palace [drew criticism](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/everton/everton-fans-slam-jordan-pickford-after-another-calamitous-mistake-during-crystal-palace-triumph/) from some of the Everton fan base last weekend, after the 25-year old suffered yet another mistake this season.

[Christian Benteke](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/christian-benteke/leistungsdaten/spieler/50201/plus/0?saison=2018) was able to score his first goal of the campaign despite shooting tamely down Pickford’s throat, with the former Sunderland man letting the ball slip underneath his body for a goal that should have easily been saved.

Following the game, the [debate began](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51452859) over whether Pickford was suitable to play for England at the upcoming Euros this summer, or whether he should be replaced as Gareth Southgate’s go-to goalkeeper.

Now Henderson, who is on-loan at Sheffield United from Manchester United this season, has [revealed](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rival-warns-evertons-jordan-pickford-17721999) his desire to dislodge Pickford and stake his claim for the Three Lions starting spot.

Talking to the [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football) after the Blades’ 2-1 win over Bournemouth, the currently uncapped goalkeeper revealed his England ambition. As [reported by the Liverpool Echo](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rival-warns-evertons-jordan-pickford-17721999), Henderson said:

> Hopefully I can nail down my position in the Euros squad, first and foremost.
>
> Being ambitious like I am, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, I’ve got my eyes on the shirt.
>
> I’ve just got to keep performing, keep doing well and hopefully get an opportunity because you can’t prove anything without an opportunity, then see where we are in the summer.
>
> Obviously there are three great goalkeepers. We’ve got a great group and it’s going to be a great battle for the shirt.
>
> Hopefully towards the summer it could be very interesting to see who gets the nod.

### Read Everton Verdict

Henderson’s ambition is valid, such has his form for Chris Wilder’s side been impressive this season. Writing about the goalkeeping competition last month, [BBC Sport reported](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51200953) that Henderson ranked above Pickford, as well as Nick Pope, in regards to how few goals he had let in this season.

As of January 22, Pickford had [conceded](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51200953) 35 times in 24 appearances, keeping just six clean sheets. Henderson on the other hand had conceded 20 in 23 games.

Meanwhile Henderson’s save percentage [ranked above](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51200953) Manchester United first choice shot-stopper David de Gea, with the Spaniard only boasting 60.32% to Henderson’s 74.68%, as of January 22.

Where Henderson falls down though is in his passing ability, which could be an issue for him with Southgate often [opting](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/11736224/gareth-southgate-says-england-will-still-play-out-from-the-back-despite-costly-errors) to play out from the back. Pickford’s kicking distribution has been [particularly poor](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51200953) this season, however his accuracy in that department still stands at 56.77%, compared to Henderson’s 33.72%, both figures as of January 22.