REVEALED: Sam Johnstone was pushing to be England’s No 2 goalkeeper BEFORE Dean Henderson pulled out, with coach Martyn Margetson hugely impressed with West Brom shot-stopper
- Dean Henderson was forced to withdraw from England’s Euro 2020 squad
- The Man United keeper has been replaced by Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale
- Sam Johnstone has impressed England goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson
Dean Henderson has withdrawn from the Euros squad amid a serious challenge from Sam Johnstone for his role as England No 2.
Manchester United keeper Henderson has been replaced by Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale after being forced to leave Gareth Southgate’s 26-man party ahead of Friday’s clash against Scotland with a hip injury.
Henderson appeared to be promoted to the role as Jordan Pickford’s direct understudy for the tournament after injury precluded usual No 2 Burnley shot-stopper Nick Pope from being selected.
Sam Johnstone (pictured) has impressed England goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson
However, Sportsmail understands Henderson’s apparent position as second-choice goalkeeper for the tournament was not set in stone.
Johnstone is understood to have deeply impressed England goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson since his first call-up in April.
Sources claim he would have been seriously considered to play ahead of Henderson during the tournament if Pickford picks up an injury.
Dean Henderson was forced to withdraw from England’s Euro 2020 squad due to a hip injury
Moving forward it will be interesting to see if Henderson reclaims his place in the England set-up for September’s World Cup qualifiers when Pope is expected to be fit.
Johnstone has just been relegated with West Brom – but West Ham and Tottenham are among the clubs keen on the 28-year-old.
Henderson finished the season as United’s Premier League No 1, but there remains doubt over his long-term future at Old Trafford.
