The Crystal Palace shot stopper is determined to add to his two England caps
Henderson first hopes to help the Eagles clinch maiden silverware at Wembley
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By MATT BARLOW and JAMES SHARPE
Published: 12:00 EDT, 15 May 2025 | Updated: 12:00 EDT, 15 May 2025
Dean Henderson insists he's one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League - and goes to Wembley determined to put himself back in the England frame.
At 28, the Crystal Palace keeper is back to the shining form displayed during two years on loan at Sheffield United following a string of injuries.
'I'm up there with the best in the league, goalkeepers wise,' said Henderson.
'I know my level. I was unbelievable at Sheffield United. Better than I was here up to now, but this is my first full season in maybe six, it's a long time.
'I got stalled but I think I'll keep going from strength to strength over the next couple of seasons, and that's when I'll be maximising my potential.'
This he expects, will deliver more England recognition and a chance to add to his two caps ahead of next year's World Cup.
Dean Henderson believes he is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League
Henderson is hopeful he will be able to add to his two England caps and play at the World Cup
'I want to play for my country,' he said. 'I believe that opportunity will arise, and I look forward to grabbing it with both hands.'
Henderson and Palace go to Wembley in search of FA Cup history and new horizons.
'The club has never won a trophy or played in Europe,' said Henderson ahead of the showpiece against Manchester City. 'The next level is one game away for us.
'We should've been in there this season through the league, we started so bad it was hard to catch up, but if someone had offered us this after 10 games, 90 minutes from European football and creating history for the football club, we don't speak about it a lot, but you will go down in history, be classed as the best ever Crystal Palace team no matter what, and it will get spoken about for years to come, that is exciting.'
Palace are into their third FA Cup final. Beaten at Wembley by Manchester United in 1990 and 2016, this year City stand in their way.
'We have a job to finish off,' said Henderson. 'Against a great team, it will be difficult, but we are going in with nothing to lose. The pressure will be on them.'
Oliver Glasner's team thumped Fulham 3-0 in the quarter-final and Aston Villa 3-0 in the semi-final on a day of extreme emotions for Henderson, who lost his father Dougie at the age of 57 last year, just days after England lost in the final of Euro 2024.
Henderson lost his father Dougie at the age of 57 last year and revealed he remains a major motivating in his career
Henderson hopes to lift the FA Cup and confirm this current Palace side as their best ever
'Before the semi-final, my neighbour laid red and blue flowers at his grave, and she sent me a video of it,' said Henderson.
'That was big motivation. That was great. It didn't sink in until the next day, really. It would be phenomenal to go and tell him about it. He'd have been delighted.
'I always look up and he's there in my corner. He will be kicking every ball with me. I'm looking forward to seeing what power he can give me on the day.'