Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson says he wants to become first choice goalkeeper for club and country as he prepares to represent England at the U21 European Championships.
Henderson won promotion to the Premier League last season at Sheffield United, and there have been talks for the 22-year-old to return to Bramall Lane on loan again in 2019/20.
The goalkeeper made such an impression in the Championship that England manager Gareth Southgate named him as a future number one at senior level for his country.
And Henderson told the News and Star that representing United and England is his ultimate goal.
He said: "That’s what I’ve been working for my whole life. It’s no secret I want to play for Man United and England.
"I’ve just got to keep working hard, stay grounded, keep setting my goals, and there’s no reason it can’t happen.”
Having been at United since the age of 14 and spending time on loan at Stockport, Grimsby and Shrewsbury before his time at Sheffield United, Henderson says he has worked hard to put himself within contention of achieving his dreams.
“I think it comes down to dedication,” he said. “It’s the little things, like not wanting to go out partying and so on, realising the reward is much better than the sacrifice.
“I find that part easy. I watch videos a lot on YouTube, of big games I’ve played in, or big games I want to play in, like the Champions League final. It reminds you to make sure you’re doing everything right. You’ll only be remembered for what you do on the football pitch, not how much you can drink on a Saturday night.”
But before he can pull on the United shirt at Old Trafford, Henderson wants to continue his journey with Sheffield United, as well as having his eye on winning silverware with England U21s.
He continued: "As a kid growing up in Whitehaven, dreaming of playing in the Premier League, and to actually get promoted to that level…you have to take a step back and pinch yourself at times. Hopefully the journey can continue, because the sky’s the limit.
"It’s a really proud moment when you pull the shirt on and sing the national anthem. You get them goosebumps. You can’t take it for granted.
"England have been successful through every age group so it’s gonna be outstanding to go out there and try to win another trophy. We’ve got the capabilities, so we have to go out and play with no fear.
"In the short time you have – maybe 20 years as a goalkeeper – you’ve got to make the most of it, because it doesn’t last forever. I want to enjoy every bit of it.”
