Dean Henderson has suggested that sitting on the bench last season for Manchester United made it difficult for him to work his way into the World Cup squad.
Henderson, who plays at Nottingham Forest on loan this season from the Red Devils, has been chosen for the Nations League clashes against Italy and Germany.
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Henderson could be England’s fourth goalkeeper before the World Cup
Alongside him were Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale, with Jordan Pickford currently nursing an injury.
Everton star Pickford has been Gareth Southgate’s trusted number one and will likely return when fit.
That means one of the other three would have to drop out for the World Cup, and Henderson believes the others have the advantage over him.
The 23-year-old expressed his anger at his treatment at United during an interview with talkSPORT over the summer.
Henderson said he was promised the No.1 spot after an impressive loan spell with Sheffield United but only made five appearances after contracting COVID early in the campaign.
Now he has joined Forest on loan to get regular first-team football.
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One of Henderson, Ramsdale and Pope will miss out on World Cup spot
When asked if he saw himself making the World Cup squad, Henderson told Sky Sports: “I think I’m behind by the minute.
“Obviously last season didn’t play much and the other guys did incredibly well.
“I knew the best chance to do that was to go out and play football and be in Gareth Southgate’s eyes and hopefully leave a good impression.”
On the current England squad, he added: “The talent in the squad is something you really want to be a part of. I honestly think England could win something soon.
“We obviously got closer and we will get closer. The players coming in just seem better.
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Henderson has joined Nottingham Forest in search of first-team football
“You have Foden, Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka – brilliant players. It’s something I want to get involved in. »
Henderson has faced the best forwards in the Premier League and he was in no doubt the most clinical man to face.
“Harry Kane, of course,” he added. “He just hits the ball hard. He slaps it around the corners and can go either way.
“It doesn’t really affect him, no matter where he is, he can turn it either way.
“You have to be aware and be constantly ready for it.
“He is ridiculous at shooting practice. He almost has pure technique, but it’s hard to read him because he turns his foot on it at the last second.
“He’s on top. You don’t do what he did in the game unless you’re on top.
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