Why Heaton has been called up by England
It has been confirmed that Manchester United’s Tom Heaton will join England’s Euro 2024 squad as a training goalkeeper.
The 38-year-old will travel to Germany for the duration of the tournament, to provide support for Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and former Red Dean Henderson.
An experienced and accomplished professional, Heaton has previously won three senior England caps and will help the current squad in training this summer.
Tom joins a Three Lions squad that includes two of his United team-mates in Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo, with group-stage matches against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia coming up.
In a statement to announce the news, manager Gareth 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 department, 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.”
Reacting to the news, Heaton said: “I am 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.”
Discussions remain open with Tom over a potential new contract at United.
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).
Defenders: Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
WHEN ARE UNITED NEXT IN ACTION?
The Reds will return to the pitch on 15 July, when we face Rosenborg in Trondheim for our first pre-season game. Following a friendly against Rangers at Murrayfield, Edinburgh on 20 July, we'll fly out to the United States for Tour 2024, comprising three clashes with Arsenal (Los Angeles, 27 July), Real Betis (San Diego, 31 July) and Liverpool (Columbia, 3 August). You can buy tickets for all of our pre-season games here, subject to availability.