Cumbrian Dean Henderson admits England face an immediate test of their tournament credentials against France in tonight’s Euro Under-21 opener.

Whitehaven-born Henderson is expected to be in goal for Aidy Boothroyd’s side in England’s first Group C game in Cesena.

The 22-year-old Manchester United keeper will face a France side that includes Lyon’s former Celtic star Moussa Dembele and Mainz ace Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi and Celtic’s Olivier Ntcham are also in the French squad.

England also face Romania and Croatia in their group and Henderson said: “They are all going to be really good teams – they are all in the tournament for a reason.

“We know France will be extremely strong, so we are going to be up against it straight away, and we have to be ready for that.”

Henderson, the former Carlisle United academy player, is hoping for a memorable summer with the international side after a successful domestic campaign.

He helped loan club Sheffield United win promotion to the Premier League, winning the Championship’s Golden Glove award for most clean sheets.

Helping Boothroyd’s side to success in Italy and San Marino would be the latest big step in a highly promising career.

Henderson told the News & Star: “The good thing in football is there’s another game around the corner and another opportunity to impress.

“It’s going to be outstanding to go there and try and win another trophy. That’s the goal and I’m excited to get going.

“England have been successful through every age group – we won the World Cup at Under-17s and under-20s.

“They haven’t won an Under-21 tournament in a long time, so if we can put a marker down it will be outstanding.

“We’ve got the capabilities to go and do that, so we just have to go out and enjoy ourselves, and play with no fear.”

Boothroyd has plenty of top-flight and Championship talent to pick from, his squad including the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Phil Foden, Ryan Sessegnon, Demarai Gray, James Maddison, Hamza Choudhury, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Chelsea’s Jake Clarke-Salter is captain.

Henderson added: “We’ve got some big names in there and some really good players.

“We’ve got a great team spirit, great morale. If we can put that out on the pitch it will all pay off.”

England v France kicks off at 8pm and is live on Sky Sports Football.