Euro 2024: Gareth Southgate Calls Up Forgotten Manchester United Star to Join England Squad

• A Manchester United goalkeeper has received a late call-up from Gareth Southgate to join the England squad
• The Three Lions will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign with a tricky game against Serbia on Sunday, June 16
• Less than a week to the competition, Southgate decided to add the veteran Manchester United star to aid the goalkeepers

Gareth Southgate has made a surprise call, barely a week to the start of the Euro 2024, by calling up Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

The 38-year-old, who earned three senior caps for the England team, has been summoned by Southgate to act as a training goalkeeper throughout the tournament.

Heaton is set to train alongside Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson - the three goalkeepers picked to represent England at the tournament.

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According to Sky Sports, the Manchester United goalkeeper’s main role will be to offer support to The Three Lions’ shot-stoppers, and will use his experience to get the best out of the lads at the tournament.

“I am really pleased Tom has agreed to join us in Germany. Experience tells us that a tournament can put a lot of demand on our goalkeeping department, led by Martyn Margetson,” Southgate said as he confirmed Heaton’s call-up.

A vastly experienced goalkeeper, Heaton has played for notable clubs like Aston Villa and Burnley in his prime.

Currently, he is United’s third-choice goalkeeper, behind Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.

Since joining the Red Devils from Aston Villa in 2021, the shot-stopper has played three times for the Old Trafford club.

One notable appearance for United was in February last year, when he played in a 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final win against Nottingham Forest.

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His latest England cap came in 2017 when he was called up to The Three Lions’ Euros squad.

On his X account, Heaton was enthused to be part of the England squad, albeit in a different capacity.

“Incredibly honoured to be asked by Gareth to join the squad,” he posted. “To get the call to go to a major tournament, to help in any way I can and pass on my experience is a proud moment. We have a great squad, I’m excited and can’t wait to join the group.”

Aaron Ramsdale criticised

Sports Brief also reported on the criticism Aaron Ramsdale faced for his part in England’s defeat to Iceland on Friday, June 7.

The Arsenal man was beaten in his near post by Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson, sparking a wave of criticism on social media.

Some fans feel Dean Henderson should lead the line for England in Germany.