England legend David Seaman believes Cumbrian Dean Henderson can pose a serious threat to Jordan Pickford’s status as his country’s No1.

Seaman, who played in World Cups and European Championships for the Three Lions, reckons Manchester United star Henderson could be the main challenger to first-choice Pickford.

Euro ‘96 hero Seaman feels the way Henderson is establishing himself in the first team at Old Trafford can not be ignored.

Burnley’s Nick Pope was preferred by England boss Gareth Southgate in recent World Cup qualifiers, with Everton keeper and former Carlisle United loanee Pickford injured.

But 75-cap Seaman reckons Whitehaven star Henderson is the man to watch in the battle for the No1 position.

“I think the biggest threat is going to be Henderson,” said Seaman, speaking on TalkSport.

“If he keeps carrying on playing for Manchester United, he’s going to be pushing to become [England] No1.

“When you’re playing at a big club like that it gives you great experience, and tests you, to see whether you can deal with the pressure.

“If he carries on he will be a big threat.”

Former Carlisle academy keeper Henderson has started Man Utd’s last six Premier League games in a sign he is edging ahead of long-standing No1 David de Gea for the first-choice role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 24-year-old Cumbrian will hope to get the nod again for this Sunday’s top-flight trip to face Leeds at Elland Road.

Henderson was initially given a run in the side at a time de Gea was absent from the club for the birth of his daughter.

But the former Sheffield United, Shrewsbury, Grimsby and Stockport loanee has seized his chance.

Seaman believes Pickford deserves to remain England’s No1 for the time being, once he returns from injury.

“So far I’d still go with Pickford – he’s still not done anything wrong with England,” he said.

“Pope [in recent games] looked a bit uncomfortable with the backpass, but he’ll work on that and get better.”