England’s call-up to Euro 2024 is ‘respected’ by the Man United goalkeeper
Tom Heaton has said he is “incredibly honoured” to join England’s Euro 2024 squad as goalkeeper in training in a role described as “valuable” by Three Lions head coach Gareth Southgate.
Manchester United veteran Heaton, who won the last of his three England caps in 2017, will travel to Germany to support Jordan Pickford and understudy Aaron Ramsdale and Old Trafford team-mate Dean Henderson.
“Getting the call to go to a big tournament, helping in any way I can and passing on my knowledge, is a proud moment,” said the 38-year-old. “We have a very good squad. I’m excited and can’t wait to join the team.”
Tom Heaton statistics
Southgate said he was “thankful” to United. “Experience tells us that the tournament can put a lot of demand on our goalkeeping department, led by Martyn Margetson,” he added.
“Tom will play a key role on the training pitch supporting Jordan, Aaron and Dean. Off the field, as someone we all know well, he will add to the good environment we are always looking to create.”
Heaton was part of the England squad at Euro 2016 and was awaiting Southgate’s first major tournament, the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
He played for United three times in two seasons, first being part of their first team between 2005 and 2010 and returning in 2021 after permanent spells at Cardiff City, Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa.
Heaton joins Shaw, Mainoo and England
United are currently in talks with Heaton over a new contract, while defender Luke Shaw and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo are also part of the England squad trying to win the competition for the first time.
Goalkeeping coach Margetson made many appearances for his first team Manchester City between 1992 and 1998, going on to join Southend United, Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City.
England, who lost 1-0 at home to Iceland in their final warm-up game with Ramsdale in goal, begin their Group C campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
They will then face Denmark in Frankfurt on June 20 and Slovenia in Cologne five days later.
