Dowson has 'no doubt' Saints star Hendy will eventually get England call
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Phil Dowson says he has 'no doubt' that George Hendy will eventually break into the England squad.
Nine Saints players were named in the 36-man training squad last Sunday, but Hendy was not one of them.
The hugely talented 24-year-old has scored 44 tries in 80 appearances for Saints, including notching two in last season's Gallagher PREM final win against Exeter Chiefs.
Hendy has developed an ability to turn a game on its head with his attacking ability, producing defining moments in both of Saints' recent league showpiece successes (2024 and 2026).
Many black, green and gold supporters were surprised that he was not selected by England on Sunday, but Saints boss Dowson fully believes the time will come for Hendy.
"I've no idea how far away he is, but I think he's definitely worked on his game and all those elements we've consistently talked about," Dowson said.
"He's someone who is conscientious and will continue to improve.
"I've no doubt at some point he'll get into that space but at the moment, it's very competitive.
"He's getting very good feedback from Steve (Borthwick) and his team so everything's pointing in the right direction for George to go and achieve that."
When asked what has impressed him most about Hendy's development since emerging from the Saints Academy, Dowson said: "He's always had the athleticism, power and speed with which he can change games and make breaks and beat defenders - that's his point of difference and it's always been hugely impressive.
"But I think his positioning in defence, his contact in defence, his aerial work chasing kicks and receiving kicks, his breakdown work - all those small elements of the game that make up the whole, particularly on the defensive and the kicking side - have been most impressive."
With nine players in the initial 36-man England squad, Saints players made up 25 per cent of the group.
And Dowson said: "It says a lot about the (Saints) players, how driven they are and how hungry they are to achieve things.
"Generally the sides who are performing well provide the most players to the international team - I think you see that with our crew and there's lots of guys who weren't in that group who are desperate to get in there.
