Why Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is backing on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson to be included in England's Euro 2020 squad

Chris Wilder has backed his Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson to be part of England’s squad for this summer’s European Championships after another impressive performance for the Blades.
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Henderson was named man of the match in United’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at Bramall Lane on Tuesday evening, after a string of fine saves to deny Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Otamendi.

The best, though, came from the penalty spot as Henderson kept out Gabriel Jesus’ spot-kick, after Chris Basham fouled Riyad Mahrez.

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Henderson was only eventually beaten after a peach of a pass from Kevin De Bruyne found substitute Sergio Aguero in the box for a tap-in winner.

Dean Henderson of Sheffield United saves a penalty from Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture date: 21st January 2020. Picture credit should read: James Wilson/SportimageDean Henderson of Sheffield United saves a penalty from Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture date: 21st January 2020. Picture credit should read: James Wilson/Sportimage
Dean Henderson of Sheffield United saves a penalty from Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture date: 21st January 2020. Picture credit should read: James Wilson/Sportimage

And Wilder believes the on-loan Manchester United man should be one of Gareth Southgate’s three goalkeepers this summer as England target Euro 2020 glory.

“I know there is a bit of a pecking order in that England group but they must be really good goalkeepers to be getting in ahead of him,” Wilder said.

“The competition is fierce and there are some good goalkeepers, but I see him up close every day.”

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Henderson, who received his first senior call-up last year, made a high-profile error against Liverpool back in September, but has bounced back superbly as United continue to impress in the Premier League.

“He is still a baby,” Wilder added.

People talk about goalkeepers at 27, 28, 29 so he still has five or six years on them. The quicker he learns the better he will be. Sometimes you have to go through a bit of pain and he did that.

“He has been outstanding for me here. He has not been error-free but he does show the ability to move on and learn. To chuck one in against Liverpool live on TV and come on as he has shows a lot about his character.”

Wilder also hopes to retain Henderson’s services on loan for a third season in 2020/21.

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“He wants to play first team football,” he added. “I am not sure he will want to play back-up to anyone. If he was to come here for us for another year we would take that up and we are already talking with Manchester United about that.”

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