CRYSTAL Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson said his second England cap was an example of what can happen when “you never give up” as he discussed an “emotional” first-ever start for the Three Lions this month.
Henderson started for Lee Carsley’s side in their 3-1 Nations League won over Finland in Helsinki almost four years after he came on at half-time in a 3-0 friendly win against Ireland at Wembley.
This is the first season that Henderson, 27, has started as his permanent club’s No.1 goalkeeper after several loan spells away from Manchester United before his £15million switch to Selhurst Park in the summer of 2023.
Henderson’s second cap came after his dad, Dougie, passed away.
“It just shows you can never give up and you’ve got to bounce back and be resilient,” Henderson said. “And I’m proud to have done that because there have been difficult times.
“My old man, unfortunately, we lost him in the summer. It would have been great for him to be here to watch me. It’s been emotional. He didn’t miss any games.
“It would have been wonderful for him to be here to witness it. The journey we went on was phenomenal. I’ve just got to keep it continuing. I know I’ve just got to keep doing him proud.”
Henderson described his feelings after being told by England interim head coach Lee Carsley that he would be starting.
Henderson said: “I found out on Saturday during training, so it was a bit of a mad one, because obviously I wanted my mum and my missus to come out. We were trying to do last-minute flights to get them here.
“I had to go all out and get them over here on a [charter] plane, but I did it just because I knew that it was such a big thing for the family. I didn’t want them to miss it, so I was delighted they made it.
“It was fantastic. They were emotional in the stands. I could see that.”
