"England's number one' is a phrase that has echoed around Selhurst Park in recent seasons, a reflection of just how highly regarded Dean Henderson is among Crystal Palace fans.
Yet since making his international debut in 2020 he has only made four appearances for the Three Lions.
After becoming the England manager back in January 2025, Thomas Tuchel made it very clear every player has to fight for their position, with no exception for the goalkeepers.
Since his introduction in 2017 Jordan Pickford has held that number one shirt with little genuine pressure, but now with the World Cup approaching, that certainty may finally be under threat.
A major reason for that is Henderson's growing influence in Europe. Crystal Palace's Conference League campaign has offered him a stage he has rarely had before.
He is not alone with Manchester City's James Trafford also emerging as a serious contender after making his senior England debut last Friday against Uruguay, although the 23-year-old represents more potential for the future than someone ready to take the number one shirt this summer.
In the Premier League Henderson has played three less games than his competitor, Pickford, keeping just one less clean sheet with 10 and conceding the same amount of goals totalling to 35.
Despite being part of tournament squads before, Henderson is yet to establish himself on the world stage.
Experience, particularly in high-pressure international fixtures, remains an area where Pickford still holds a clear advantage.
However, what strengthens Henderson's case is his proven ability in defining moments for his club.
Most notably the historical FA Cup win over Manchester City last May, and now in Europe he is showcasing it again with Palace progressing to the quarter-finals.
While he is basically all but guaranteed a spot on the plane, hopefully alongside Adam Wharton, the question now is whether those moments will be enough to convince Tuchel that Henderson is ready to shift England's goalkeeping hierarchy.
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