Football News: Tom Heaton Joins England’s Euro 2024 Camp as Training Goalkeeper
In a move to bolster their goalkeeping preparations for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, England have announced the addition of veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton to their training camp. The 38-year-old Heaton, who has been with Manchester United since 2021, will join the Three Lions’ 26-man squad as a training goalkeeper, providing valuable experience and support to the team’s regular shot-stoppers.
Hosts Germany will kick off the highly anticipated European Championship against Scotland on Friday, with England set to face Serbia two days later in Group C. While Heaton will not feature in any of the matches, his presence in the training sessions is expected to be invaluable.
Gareth Southgate’s squad, which was revealed on Thursday, includes Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, and Dean Henderson as the three designated goalkeepers for the tournament. However, the addition of Heaton, who has earned three caps for the national team and was previously named in the squad for Euro 2016, will offer depth and expertise to the goalkeeping unit.
“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 group led by Martyn Margetson. Tom will play an invaluable role on the training pitch supporting Jordan, Aaron and Dean.”
– Gareth Southgate, England Manager
Southgate further highlighted Heaton’s off-field contributions, noting, “Off the field as someone we all know well, he will add to the positive environment we are always looking to create. We are grateful to Manchester United for their support in making this happen.”
Heaton, who has 116 Premier League appearances to his name with Burnley and Aston Villa, shared his excitement about the opportunity, stating, “Incredibly honoured to be asked by Gareth to join the squad. 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.”
As England continues its quest for their first major tournament triumph since 1966, the addition of Heaton to the training camp will undoubtedly provide invaluable support and expertise to the goalkeeping unit, as they prepare to face the challenges of the Euro 2024 tournament.
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