Henderson fails to stake claim in Pickford absence
It was a rare sight - England's first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford on the bench.Thomas Tuchel handed Dean Henderson a chance to impress in the Three Lions' friendly against Senegal on Tuesday night.But Henderson's start coincided with England conceding three goals for the first time in almost three years, with Senegal running out 3-1 winners.It was a busy evening for Henderson at Nottingham Forest's City Ground, the Crystal Palace keeper called into making six saves.While he was helpless to stop Senegal's first and third goals, Henderson will be disappointed he allowed Habib Diarra the time and space to tee up his shot and squeeze the ball through his legs for the visitors' second.But is Henderson starting in goal a sign of things to come?Everton goalkeeper Pickford has been a mainstay in the Three Lions goal since making his debut in 2017, and started all Tuchel's previous three games in charge of England - taking his caps to 76.However, the German head coach hinted at a changing of the guard last week.After Henderson played an instrumental role in Crystal Palace's historic FA Cup win, and James Trafford - a reported target for Newcastle - amassed a stunning 29 clean sheets for Burnley, both will feel they deserve a shot at the number one shirt.
Is Pickford's place under threat?
The simple answer is yes, if Tuchel's quotes are anything to go by, that is.Tuchel recently insisted it would be a "fight for every position", adding there was "no exception" for goalkeepers.The England boss went on to say: "He [Pickford] is doing everything to keep his place because he feels that Dean stepped up and found another gear. Dean got a vital title for Palace and he was a big figure. "This helped his confidence a lot. Then we have the very young James Trafford who played a fantastic, record-breaking campaign with Burnley and got clean sheets. Hopefully he can prove himself in the Premier League next season - and then the race is on." With just four international camps remaining before the World Cup next summer, Tuchel must implement his ideas and style of play imminently. Tuchel's remit was simple - to win the 2026 World Cup. In order to do so, he must be ruthless, and that could well start with his choice of goalkeeper.
Tuchel also stated it would be "ideal" if his keeper was competing in European competition for his club - something Pickford will not be doing for Everton next season.His rivals for the number one shirt, however, may well do so. Henderson will be lining up in the Europa League for Crystal Palace, while Burnley's Trafford is reportedly admired by Champions League contenders Newcastle."For the first time in a long time, Jordan Pickford could be facing serious competition going into the World Cup," BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Ian Dennis said."Pickford won't be playing European football with Everton, so the other two could close the gap on him."
Hasn't Pickford been reliable?
England's second-most-capped men's goalkeeper, behind all-time record holder Peter Shilton, Pickford has been a reliable performer for his country. He has only made one error leading directly to a goal (as classified by Opta), while his total of 10 clean sheets at major tournaments is a joint Three Lions record alongside Shilton.That consistency has meant he has started 76 of England's 100 games since his debut in 2017, including 15 of the past 17.Pickford may not have the experience of playing European football at club level, but has featured in two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final for England.The only match Pickford missed in the past 12 months was October's 3-1 win at Finland in the Nations League, when he watched from the bench as Henderson made his first international start under interim boss Lee Carsley."Pickford is going to have competition for his place, but I do think he will be the first choice when the World Cup comes around because he has never let England down," Dennis added.
The goalkeeper race is on
As mentioned above, Henderson created history with Crystal Palace when they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final - the 28-year-old is in great form under Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.Trafford is in a different situation. At 22 years old, he is the youngest goalkeeper in the squad by some way.Since first appearing in the Premier League during Burnley's relegation season in 2023-24, Trafford has improved considerably and is now reportedly a target for Newcastle. With Tuchel clearly a huge admirer of Trafford's, next season in the Premier League will be vital for him to stake his World Cup claim.
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