‘I’m sure that’ll change’ – Crystal Palace goalkeeper expects team-mate to win England promotion in the future

BY ANDREW MCSTEEN

Despite being picked for two different England teams last week, Crystal Palace teammates Dean Henderson and Adam Wharton have been training together for their country at the national football centre at St. George’s Park this week.

With Henderson hoping to add to his two senior caps in England’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers on Friday and next Monday, Wharton is set to line up for the U21s in their friendly matches against France and Portugal on the same days.

However, with new England boss Thomas Tuchel revealing last week that Wharton narrowly missed out on a senior call-up, the two have been training together with Tuchel keen to see Wharton – who returned recently to action following groin surgery – first-hand before he links up with the younger squad on Wednesday.

“From Adam’s point of view, he probably didn’t expect to get called up (to the senior squad) because he was just back (from injury). To even get as close as he got to the call, just shows how good the player he is. I’m sure that’ll change if he keeps performing really well,” said Henderson to TalkSport about the 21-year-old.

“He’s been training for the last couple of days [with us]. He’s an exciting player. He’s got so many qualities. His passing, his passing range, his vision. To play off one touch through the lines and find our offensive players in good attacking positions and let them do the job in the other half. He’s a phenomenal footballer. His IQ is high, so he’s got to keep developing that and getting better and better. I just hope he can stay fit and keep putting in the performances.”

Before moving to SE25, Henderson himself experienced long-term injuries, and after joining the Eagles in August 2023, found himself fighting for a number one spot with Sam Johnstone.

Eventually, he became the first-choice goalkeeper in South London, going on to becoming an ever-present in the Premier League this season, including nine clean sheets, helping him grow as a player and individual.

“When I play consistently, I’ve always been very good, so that’s not surprised me, but I’m back up to that level now,” he said.

“I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing and hopefully it will look after itself. Bide your time, stay patient.

“Don’t get disappointed, don’t give up, and then just keep going, and, hopefully, one day everything will come,” said the 27-year-old.

“I’ve been through tough times as well. I felt that. I appreciate just being able to train every day and go out onto the pitch and enjoy myself. I don’t take anything for granted now, so anything else is a bonus on top of that. I’m at age now where my best years are still ahead of me. I’ve grown up a lot, maturity-wise.

“It’s been a good season so far. A slow burner at the start and then the lads kicked into gear and it’s been great the last few months.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD