Ex-Bristol City goalkeeper earns surprise England call-up to play 'invaluable role' at Euro 2024

Former Bristol City No1 Tom Heaton has earned a surprise call-up to the England squad, joining the Three Lions in Germany as their training goalkeeper.

Heaton, who made 44 appearances for the Robins during the 2012/13 season, will support Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson during the tournament at their Golfresort Weimarer Land training base.

The 38-year-old has spent the last three seasons under contract with Manchester United in a back-up role and his last professional appearance was against Nottingham Forest in a League Cup tie in February 2023. Heaton becomes a free agent at the end of this month but talks have taken place over extending his deal at OId Trafford.

Heaton won three caps for England in 2016 and 2017 while a regular in the Premier League with Burnley and was part of the squad at Euro 2016, although he never got onto the field in any of their three matches.

"Incredibly honoured to be asked by Gareth to join the squad," Heaton wrote on X. "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."

Named Supporters' Player of the Season, Heaton was one of the few bright spots in a dismal season for the Robins as they finished bottom of the Championship under Derek McInnes and Sean O’Driscoll and were relegated into League One.

The goalkeeper had been signed the previous summer from Cardiff City but only a one-year deal and despite offering him fresh terms, Heaton elected to move on and join Burnley where he spent six seasons, twice earning promotion under former City defender Sean Dyche.

After leaving Turf Moor in 2019, he went on to play for Aston Villa and latterly Manchester United, the club where he started his career in the academy but has remained on the periphery of the first-team.

"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,” said England manager Gareth Southgate. “Tom will play an invaluable role on the training pitch supporting Jordan, Aaron and Dean.

"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."

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