Dean Henderson takes the England camp life quiz

Having been in and around the England setup for a number of years, Dean Henderson is accustomed to life on camp with the Three Lions.

Ahead of the final camp of the calendar year, we asked the Crystal Palace goalkeeper a series of questions about life on international duty.

What is one essential item you’re packing in your suitcase for a camp?

It's always my washbag. I’ve got washbag everywhere I go. I think it’s important.

What about one luxury item?

I’m quite low maintenance. I’ve got my laptop just for the movies at night or series. We’ve just been watching Traitors, so Traitors has been unbelievable. I’m a big fan of that programme. The way it unfolded was pretty special.

How do you like to spend your down-time on camp?

At night, sometimes we’ll play the game Wolf together which is quite good. It’s very similar to Traitors. The lads will get together in the evenings and play a game of Wolf. It just brings the team spirit even closer.

I feel like I’m very good but some people would disagree with that – I think I’m one of the better players

Who would you sit next to on a plane or bus journey to an England game?

Normally, it’s Ollie Watkins. I’m always with him or Jarrod Bowen. We’re all like a trio around the place. They’re good lads. We’ll just be chilling, chatting about life and just talking about all sorts.

Jarrod’s always on his iPad looking at the NFL. He’s trying to get me into that at the minute, so that’s something I’m going to explore and see if I can pick a good team and be a bit of a glory hunter.

What kind of character or personality would you say you are within the group and how would your team-mates describe you?

I’m probably quite quiet, level-headed and supportive to the boys but then quite competitive at the same time. When we play the little games and on the training pitch, I’m competitive.

What is your favourite meal to eat on camp?

When we’re on camp, sometimes day one is a special night and we get brownies and custard. That’s always something to look forward to. A day before a game is rice pudding for dessert. The rice pudding here is sensational – it’s got little white chocolate chips in it. It’s something I always look forward to.

One hundred percent sweet, all day long. My favourite dessert is a Cartmel sticky toffee pudding.

What is your favourite part of training?

The fun small-sided games, finishing drills and stuff like that, I love. The tactics, you’ve got to do – they’re a bit more of a slow-burner.

But as a keeper, you love that boyish thing of diving around the goal and trying to make saves. The quality of these boys keeps you on your toes and it’s nice to test yourself.

Talk us through your pre-match routine.

Pretty normal. I take it as a normal day. I don’t really think too much about it and just focus on what we’re going into.

Something I’ve added this year is I like going out for a little walk in the mornings in the fresh air – it makes me feel a bit more awake.

What kind of music do you listen to before a game?

I just go with the flow of what’s on in the changing room. I don’t really put my individual headset on – I know a lot of the lads do. I go with the vibes. It’s R&B normally.

Talk us through your post-match routine.

I'm a bit more professional now. I used to love a Five Guys after the game. If we got a win and played well, I’d treat myself to a Five Guys. That would be my cheat meal for the week: double patty burger, bacon, barbeque sauce, chips and a Dr Pepper.

What is your favourite thing about being on camp?

My favourite thing about being on England camp is obviously representing the country. The badge is so iconic.

Even now, you look at the badge and realise that you’re actually wearing that training kit as one of the players. It’s just a proud moment and it’s something that should never be normalised and something you should never take for granted.

How would you sum up pulling on an England shirt and representing your country?

It's obviously really special. In football, it’s one of them things where you don’t really take it all in and it’s probably something you think about after the season or when you’ve played one game – you reflect on it at the end of the season rather than when you’re in the mix.

What is your favourite moment during your England career?

The EUROs, going so close. When Cole [Palmer] scored the equalising goal, the momentum in the game you thought would switch in our direction. Being so close, it just makes us hungry for more.

Seeing the fans as well and the way they reacted back home. You get it on your social media and you see how much the country are behind you. That’s so special.

With the final two World Cup Qualifiers coming up this month and England having secured their place at next year’s tournament, what is your favourite memory of watching the Three Lions in the World Cup?

I think it was when we got to the semi-final in Russia. Watching that, I remember I was in Portugal watching that, seeing us go past Croatia and seeing us get so close.

It gave the nation that belief, going into these up-and-coming tournaments. Now, it’s time to get over the line.

What is one piece of advice your younger self would’ve given you now you’re in this position, playing for England?

Honestly, I think you get caught up in everything. The ultimate thing is to enjoy it and enjoy it the best you can because you won’t be doing it forever. It seems to have gone so fast up to now, so take every opportunity you get and really enjoy it with a smile on your face.

That’s the best bit of advice I can give anyone.