Henderson has set England example – Wilder

Chris Wilder is challenging some of his Sheffield United players to follow in the footsteps of Dean Henderson and look to secure an England call-up. Henderson, on loan at Bramall Lane from Manchester United, became the first Blades player to be handed a place in the full England squad since Brian Deane in 1992 when Gareth Southgate turned to him after Aston Villa’s Tom Heaton withdrew through injury.
The 22-year-old was an unused substitute for the recent Euro 2020 qualifying games in Czech Republic and Bulgaria.
Given the impressive early-season form of the likes of Jack O’Connell and George Baldock, who also qualifies to play international football for Greece, Wilder sees no reason why they should not end up on Southgate’s radar – if they maintain the high standards they have set in the Premier League.
He said: “George and Jack have just got to keep playing well. The exposure the Premier League gets, they will not do themselves any harm, will they? If they get their club form right, then the rest takes care of itself. “It was a fantastic experience for Dean. Now his challenge is to stay in the squad by playing very well for us. He’s working extremely hard and I’m delighted he got his reward with England.”
Speaking about Henderson’s elevation to the senior squad, Wilder claims it was just reward for the way he has played for both the Blades and the Under-21s in the past.
The hope now is for him to continue improving as a player throughout the course of the season which could give him a chance of ousting Jordan Pickford from the number one spot.
There are already numerous internationals within the ranks in South Yorkshire as Enda Stevens, John Egan, David McGoldrick and Callum Robinson are all part of the Republic of Ireland squad.
John Fleck and Oli McBurnie are also regulars in the Scotland camp although both missed the San Marino game in midweek due to injuries which Wilder hopes they can recover from in time to face Arsenal on Monday.