Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has set his sights on being England’s number one at senior level.

The Manchester United loanee believes his loan spell at the Blades will give him the platform to push on towards achieving that ambition:

“This is the next step up and I’m looking at the number one shirt. I’m not scared of what is ahead of me. I’ve just got to keep taking it step by step, doing what I have been week after week, and hopefully, the call-up won’t be long in coming.”

Henderson has already displaced Southampton keeper Angus Gunn as first choice in the Under 21 setup. The 21-year-old has started the last three European U21 Championship qualifiers, playing against the Netherlands and Latvia last month and in the 7-0 win over Andorra last night.

His performances for Sheffield United have no doubt played a big part in that. He has started all 12 of the Blades’ league games so far this season, conceding 13 and keeping four clean sheets in the process.

Gareth Southgate has already shown with Mason Mount that he will call up young players to the senior side if they are good enough, even if they are playing in the Championship. Henderson will be hoping to make a similar impression on the England manager.