Experienced Sheffield United defender Phil Jagielka has backed Cumbrian goalkeeper Dean Henderson to force his way into the England set-up.

Whitehaven-born 22-year-old keeper Henderson and Everton’s former Carlisle United loan man Jordan Pickford came face-to-face on Saturday at Goodison Park, as the Blades ran out 2-0 victors.

Jagielka is well-placed to observe the similarities between Pickford and Henderson, who began his career at Carlisle and is still waiting for his first call-up to Gareth Southgate’s senior squad, with the 37-year-old having enjoyed a long spell at Everton before he returned to Bramall Lane in the summer.

“You can see the likeness in them,” Jagielka told The Star.

“It’s amazing. Five or six years ago, we were complaining we didn’t have enough English goalkeepers.

"Now, there are probably eight of them who you could happily put in the England squad.

“That is the same across the entire squad. It seems to have blossomed over the past five or six years. I know Deano is desperate to get in there and make his international debut.

“He just has to keep his head down here and keep doing the right things. And, above all, keep putting in performances like he did against Everton.”

Tomorrow, Sheffield United take on Sunderland in the Carabao Cup before they host European champions Liverpool this Saturday.