Man Utd star, 38, reveals he’s joined Gareth Southgate’s England squad as he hails ‘proud moment’
TOM HEATON has revealed that he has accepted an invitation to link up with England’s Euro 2024.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper is third choice at Manchester United and has not made an appearance this term.
But the three-time capped Three Lions international is ready to do everything possible in order to help Gareth Southgate’s men bring home the trophy from Germany.
Heaton was invited to link up with the squad as training goalkeeper – a role he is delighted to accept.
The veteran wrote on X: “Incredibly honoured to be asked by Gareth to join the squad.
“To get the call to go to a major tournament, to help in anyway 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.”
Heaton will support the trio of Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson for the duration of the tournament.
He won his caps for England between 2016 and 2017 and had previously represented his country at youth level.
The ex-Burnley and Aston Villa ace also has experience of tournaments already having been part of the Euro 2016 and 2019 Nations League Finals squads.
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Southgate said: “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.
“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 has found game time hard to come by since returning to the club in the summer of 2021 and is yet to feature this season.
TOM HEATON
Here's all you need to know about his career:
Clubs:
Man Utd (2002-2010)
Swindon (2005/06 loan)
Royal Antwerp (2006 loan)
Cardiff (2008/09 loan)
QPR (2009 loan)
Rochdale (2009/10 loan)
Wycombe (2010 loan)
Cardiff (2010-2012)
Bristol City (2012/13)
Burnley (2013-2019)
Aston Villa (2019-2021)
Man Utd (2021-present)
Honours:
League Cup (2023)
Championship title (2016)
Championship runner-up (2014)
International:
England – 3 caps
But he has played an important role off the pitch and was part of a core group of leaders under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Erik ten Hag persuaded Heaton to stay at the club last summer amid interest from Luton, with the keeper penning a one-year deal.
His current deal expires at the end of this month, but he has been in talks with the club over another extension.
Heaton had been considering his options but is open to remaining at Old Trafford in a coaching capacity.
He has made three appearances for United, including one in the Champions League, since returning to the team he left Cardiff City in 2010.