Hendo: I was great ..outfield
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN is set to sign a lucrative contract with sportswear giants adidas.
The Liverpool star, 26, is in red-hot form and has his sights set on making England’s Euro 2020 squad next summer.
Oxlade-Chamberlain (right) has been targeted by adidas as he is one of Liverpool and England’s most popular and marketable stars. The midfielder has scored four goals in his last three starts – including starring roles in the Champions League – as he returns to peak form following a knee injury. Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is currently with Nike, was recalled to the England squad in September and seems certain to regain a regular starting role.
DEAN HENDERSON may be England’s most exciting young keeper – but he only ended up in goal by chance.
Sheffield United’s on-loan Manchester United star played outfield as a kid at Carlisle.
He just took the gloves one day because the regular keeper was ill and he hasn’t looked back.
“I’ll be honest, I thought I was better outfield,” said Henderson, 22, leading the race for the Premier League’s Golden Glove with Manchester City’s Ederson on five clean sheets.
“I played outfield for years and I was really good at what I did, to be honest.
“I tested myself against some good teams.
“I went to Carlisle and one day the keeper was sick, so I went in goal.
“From there it snowballed and it’s been a fast journey.
“I only moved to Manchester United when I was 14, so it’s been really weird how quickly the last few years have gone.”
The England Under-21 international got his first senior call-up from Gareth Southgate last month.
He hopes to be included in Southgate’s latest squad today – and aims to depose Jordan Pickford as England’s first choice for the Euros next summer.
“I’ve got a taste of it now with England so going forward, I want to make the most of it,” said Henderson.