Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson Named in England World Cup Squad

Dean Henderson has been named in England’s final squad for the 2026 World Cup, with the Crystal Palace goalkeeper set for his first appearance at the tournament this summer.

Thomas Tuchel confirmed his 26-player England squad on Friday, with Henderson selected alongside Jordan Pickford and James Trafford as the three goalkeepers travelling to the United States, Canada and Mexico. Henderson is the only current Crystal Palace player included, with midfielder Adam Wharton not named in the final group.

England revealed the squad through a special film shot in New York and soundtracked by The Beatles’ Come Together, with each selected player’s name appearing across different settings in the city. Henderson’s inclusion adds another significant moment to a season in which he has captained Palace and helped Oliver Glasner’s side reach the UEFA Conference League final.

The 29-year-old will head to his first World Cup after previously being part of England’s squad for Euro 2024. England’s official announcement confirmed that Henderson is among the players who have been to a European Championship but will now make their first appearance on the global stage.

His selection follows another consistent campaign at Selhurst Park. Henderson has made 36 appearances for Palace in 2025/26 and kept 11 clean sheets, making him one of Glasner’s most trusted senior players.

Henderson’s importance to Palace has extended beyond the Premier League. After playing a decisive part in the club’s FA Cup triumph last season, he has worn the armband this term and helped guide the Eagles into their first major European final. Palace face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final in Leipzig on Wednesday, with Henderson aiming to add another landmark occasion before joining up with England.

The timing means Henderson will report for England duty later than most of Tuchel’s squad. England confirmed that players involved in the European finals with Crystal Palace and Arsenal will join the World Cup preparations after their club commitments are complete.

There is disappointment for Wharton, who had remained in the England picture during the build-up to the tournament. The Palace midfielder was part of Tuchel’s squad for the March internationals and featured against Uruguay, but he has not made the final 26-man selection.

England will play warm-up fixtures against New Zealand and Costa Rica in Florida before opening their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17. Group-stage matches against Ghana and Panama will follow.

For Henderson, the immediate priority is Palace’s European final. Once that challenge is complete, the goalkeeper will move on to the next landmark of his career, representing England at a World Cup for the first time.