Picking the latest England squad hasn’t been a straightforward task at all for Gareth Southgate.
Indeed, since naming his team last week, no fewer than five players have pulled out, including two goalkeepers.
Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone have both had to withdraw with Nick Pope and Fraser Forster drafted in as their replacements.
Forster hasn’t been called up for England in six years, and his return to the squad was something of a surprise, especially as Dean Henderson has been left at home.
Henderson has been a regular in the England squad for the past few years after shining with Sheffield United in the Premier League, but after playing very little football this season for Manchester United, he’s been left out in the cold.
There has been plenty of transfer speculation around Henderson in recent weeks, and while we’re sure he’s frustrated by his lack of gametime, this could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
Think about it, Henderson was one of the brightest young goalies in the country a couple of years ago, being described as ‘incredible’ by Jose Mourinho last summer, and now, he’s behind Fraser Forster in the England pecking order. He must be at least slightly aggrieved by this situation.
If Henderson wasn’t desperate for something to change before, surely he will be now.
Unfortunately for Henderson, this situation doesn’t look like changing anytime soon. David De Gea has had a fantastic season, and it’s hard to imagine the Spaniard being replaced as United’s number one in the near future.
Luckily though, it seems as though Henderson does have a route out of Manchester United with both Newcastle and Tottenham interested, but if it’s gametime he’s looking for, surely Newcastle is the best option as Hugo Lloris looks secure between the sticks in north London.
Southgate calling up Forster before Henderson may nudge him in the direction of St James’ Park
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