Crystal Palace beat Ipswich 1-0 in the Premier League on Saturday
England manager Thomas Tuchel was in attendance at Selhurst Park
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By PAUL BROWN
Published: 18:31 EDT, 9 March 2025 | Updated: 18:31 EDT, 9 March 2025
Thomas Tuchel sent good luck text messages to the England players at Crystal Palace before visiting Selhurst Park to see them beat Ipswich.
Tuchel ran the rule over players such as Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton and Dean Henderson as he looks to whittle down a long list of 55 before naming his first Three Lions squad later this week.
And Henderson revealed the German took the unusual step of flagging up his visit before kick-off.
‘Thomas texted me before the game to say he’d be watching and to wish me all the best, and it is nice to know he is watching,’ said the Palace goalkeeper.
Henderson, who is hoping to add to his two caps, had a strong game as his side won for the fourth time in row thanks to Ismaila Sarr’s late winner.
‘All I can control is what I can control, which is doing my job for the team and showing up at big moments, which I have been doing,’ said Henderson.
‘I’d love to play for England this time around and win a cap. I have been chasing it and it is one of my goals.
‘I’m really enjoying myself and it is the best football I’ve played in the last couple of years.’
Henderson also backed team-mate Wharton to force his way into Tuchel’s thinking. The midfielder is back in contention after performing well since recovering from groin surgery.
‘He’s a top player,’ said Henderson. ‘There’s no ceiling for him. He’s been great. He’s come back in and he’s been great for us the last couple of games.’