Dean Henderson revealed he and three of his Crystal Palace teammates received messages from England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Ipswich Town.
Tuchel has been visiting grounds up and down the country and compiling a 55-man long-list of players he is keeping tabs on, as he prepares to name his first England squad on Friday.
The German’s tenure as head coach of the Three Lions begins in earnest with 2026 World Cup qualifiers at Wembley against Albania and Latvia on March 21 and March 24, respectively.
Goalkeeper Henderson revealed in an interview with Standard Sport last month that he believes he is “neck and neck” with Jordan Pickford to become Tuchel’s No1.
The 27-year-old said Eagles teammates Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton — all of whom have played for England previously — also received texts from the England boss.
“I have spoken to [Tuchel],” Henderson said, after keeping his ninth clean-sheet of the season to draw level on that score with Everton’s Pickford, in a game settled by Ismaila Sarr’s late goal.
“He texted me before the game. Obviously, that's nice to know that he is watching. All I can control is what I can control, and that's my job for the team, the way the manager [Oliver Glasner] wants me to play, and showing up in big moments, which I have been doing.
“I'm really enjoying it, and it is the best football I've played the last couple years, because I’ve played a lot. I'm delighted. I'm on autopilot now, so I've just got to keep on.”
The inclusion of Henderson, Eze, Guehi and Wharton in England’s Euro 2024 squad made Palace the most represented club in Gareth Southgate’s squad. All four were contacted by Tuchel before the Ipswich win.
“He said he'd be at the game and in the stands watching, and just wished me all the best,” said Henderson.
“I think he did alongside Marc, Adam and Ebs as well, so it's nice to know he's watching.”
Henderson said of Wharton, who recently returned following complications after groin surgery: “He's got so much ability, he takes it all in his stride. He's been great — he's a top player and there's no ceiling for him.”
