Dean Henderson has revealed the joys, pains and disappointments of his long journey that led to his return to the England team.
The Crystal Palace goalkeeper made his second appearance for the Three Lions in Sunday’s 3-1 win finland – Four years after his debut against Ireland.
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Henderson, 27, was told by interim manager Lee Carsley on Saturday that he was being handed a long-awaited comeback, leaving his family in crisis. race To go to Helsinki for the big occasion.
Still, there was sadness mixed with happiness.
The one person Henderson loved seeing in the stands at Olympic Stadium was his father, Dougie, who has since passed away. Heat,
And he’s still recovering from the tragic loss of his friend. george balddock31, who died in Greece last week. The pair played together when Henderson was on loan sheffield united From Manchester United.
So while Henderson talked Proud Regarding his first start for England, it is understandable that on a few occasions his voice broke and he was close to crying.
He said, “It has been four years since I played my last match for England.
“It shows that you can never give up and you have to bounce back and be resilient.
“And I’m proud to do that because it’s been really hard at times.
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“I found out in training on Saturday that I was playing so it was a bit crazy. I wanted my mother Yvonne and my wife Millie to come out. So we were trying to get a last minute flight to get them here.
“I had to go out and get them on a charter plane. But I did it because I knew it was a big deal for the family. My brother also came and my girlfriend’s father also, so the same thing happened Good,
Asked who helped him through tough times over the years, Henderson said: “My old men. Unfortunately, we lost him over the summer. It would have been great for him to come here and see me, so it was emotional.
“He didn’t miss any games. The journey we went on was unprecedented. And I just want to make sure that continues.”
Before Thursday’s shock 2-1 defeat by Greece in the Nations League at Wembley, a minute’s silence was held for Panathinaikos defender Baldock, who was found dead. float pool In his villa in Athens.
Henderson, whose wife is also a close friend of Baldock’s fiancée Annabel Dignam, said: “I can’t believe it. I’m still shocked by that.
“He was part of our group of boys at Sheffield United and he was a big character. So losing him suddenly was a huge shock.
“I’m thinking of Annabelle, his poor wife and his little boy, Brody. This is a matter of great shame. I don’t even know what to say. I have no words left.”
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Those two personal losses stood out clearly for Henderson soccer In perspective.
Yet on the pitch, it was a turbulent week for the England team and there was uncertainty regarding Carsley, who could not decide whether he wanted the full-time job.
But Henderson insisted: “He is brilliant. He wants us to play football, he wants us to play with confidence. He wants to control the game of football.
“The guys are buying into it. Obviously, we weren’t at our best the other night – and even in some respects against Finland.
“But we have to take responsibility and we have to open our chests and show confidence in dominating the ball.
“He wants us to play out from the back, which I don’t do extensively at club level.
“But you have to flick the switch and obviously perform well for him.”
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Henderson also believes Carles was right to be brave at Wembley and experiment with playing without a number 9 to incorporate all his attacking midfielders – even if it was a disaster.
He said: “But euroPeople were asking about that team. You have to be courageous and you just have to try it.”
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Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay assessed the performances of the Three Lions stars.
Dean Henderson – 6
Only his second cap removed after long-time No. 1 Jordan Pickford. Not much to do, but was convincing when called into action, including a smart stop in the first half to deny Benjamin Cullman’s attack – even if the Finn was ruled offside late on Has gone. Couldn’t do anything to stop Finland’s goal.
Kyle Walker – 6
After the disaster against Greece, it was no surprise to see Lee Carsley turn to his most experienced defender. Now just nine caps away from a century, Walker was solid. Could have had a late assist but his cushioned header was poor.
John Stones – 6
England’s more traditional system meant that the defense was much less exposed – although Carsley’s aggressive approach still saw the Finns create chances. Stones made a good initial block to stop Kallmann after Angel Gomes gave him the ball.
Mark Guhy – 6
Our best defender in the Euros group stage, Guéhi Levi was back due to Colville’s absence. Quite an assurance from a player who has himself admitted that he has not had a particularly good start to the season for his club.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
We saw him in midfield at the Euros, and here Liverpool’s right-back was shifted to left-back. Looked weak defensively at times, but who cares when he produces such quality on the ball – epitomized by his superb free-kick to end the game.
Angel Gomes – 8
The great success story of the Carlisle era, however long it lasts, continues to bring Gomes into it. He created Jack Grealish’s opener with a beautiful, flick-pass around the corner and was excellent in possession – apart from a sloppy early pass.
Declan Rice – 7
He looked much more comfortable playing behind Gomes, in contrast to the one-man defensive operation against the Greeks. The referee looked proud after scoring England’s third goal from Watkins’ cross.
Cole Palmer – 5
Played in the more familiar wide right position compared to his central-midfield experiment against Greece. Yet it reduced him to a peripheral figure, and added more questions than answers as to where best to deploy him, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.
Jude Bellingham – 6
The Real Madrid superstar played alongside Harry Kane and occasionally had exciting link-ups with Grealish, but it was not one of his more memorable games overall.
Jack Grealish – 8
There is no doubt that Carsley will hope to get a full-time job as his fellow Brummies appreciate his talents. The goal was his second in three matches under Carsley – doubling his total from 39 caps.
Harry Kane – 6
Cap 101 for the captain but not one he will particularly remember. He offered the presence that the team was lacking against Greece when they were playing without a striker, but he did not get much of a feel in front of goal.
later stages
Noni Madueke (for Palmer, 69) – 7
This game was built for him to make an impact off the bench and he almost overtook Watkins after a great run but the Finns cleared.
Ollie Watkins (for Kane, 69) – 7
Low’s cross for Rice’s third was right on the money.
Rico Lewis (for Gomes, 80) – 6
Slotted into center midfield when coming on and looked busy.
Phil Foden (for Bellingham, 80) – 5
After Finland’s goal Madueke chose to shoot rather than cross for a tap-in seconds later, he sadly hugged the post. He was marking Artttu Hoskonen when the Finn headed home the consolation.
Connor Gallagher (for Rice, 89) – 6
His first appearance under Carsley’s leadership but it was too late to make an impact.
Lee Carsley – 7
His tactical move against Greece backfired but he held his hand and became more conservative here. It paid off as England were relatively comfortable – although their teams looked vulnerable defensively at times in all four of their games – and this was no different.
I found a Victorian prison in my basement – things just got even more shockingBut the three best players, Gomes, Grealish and Alexander-Arnold, were all given starring roles by Carles when used sparingly or not at all by predecessor Gareth Southgate – and for that, the interim boss must take credit.
