Tom Heaton has mentioned he’s “extremely honoured” to have joined the England Euro 2024 squad as a coaching goalkeeper in a task described as “invaluable” by Three Lions head coach Gareth Southgate.
Manchester United veteran Heaton, who received the final of his three England caps in 2017, will journey to Germany to help first-choice Jordan Pickford and understudies Aaron Ramsdale and Previous Trafford team-mate Dean Henderson.
“To get the decision to go to a serious event, to assist in any means I can and cross on my expertise, is a proud second,” mentioned the 38-year-old. “We now have a fantastic squad. I’m excited and may’t wait to hitch the group.”
Tom Heaton stats
Southgate mentioned he was “grateful” to United. “Expertise tells us {that a} event can put lots of demand on our goalkeeping division, led by Martyn Margetson,” he added.
“Tom will play a useful function on the coaching pitch supporting Jordan, Aaron and Dean. Off the sphere, as somebody everyone knows properly, he’ll add to the constructive surroundings we’re all the time trying to create.”
Heaton was a part of the England squad at Euro 2016 and was on standby for Southgate’s first main event, the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
He has performed 3 times for United throughout two intervals, initially being a part of their first-team squad between 2005 and 2010 and returning in 2021 after everlasting spells at Cardiff Metropolis, Bristol Metropolis, Burnley and Aston Villa.
Heaton joins Shaw, Mainoo with England
United are presently in discussions with Heaton over a brand new contract, whereas full-back Luke Shaw and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo are additionally a part of the England squad trying to win the event for the primary time.
Goalkeeping coach Margetson made most of his profession appearances for first membership Manchester Metropolis between 1992 and 1998, continuing to hitch Southend United, Huddersfield City and Cardiff Metropolis.
England, who misplaced 1-0 at residence to Iceland of their closing warm-up match with Ramsdale in aim, start their Group C marketing campaign towards Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
They then face Denmark in Frankfurt on June 20 and Slovenia in Cologne 5 days later.
