Tom Heaton: Why have England called him up to Euro 2024 squad – and could he play?
There was an unexpected face on the plane that took England’s players to their Euro 2024 training base in Germany today.
Veteran Manchester Unitedgoalkeeper Tom Heaton, who did not make a competitive appearance for the club last season, travelled with Gareth Southgate’s sidefor their opening game against Serbiaon Sunday, albeit not as part of the official 26-man squad.
Heaton, 38, has played for England three times – most recently against Francein 2017 – but is now a long way from contention when squads are selected.
So what is behind his surprise call-up?
Heaton hasn’t played since 2023 – so why has Southgate asked him?
In previous tournaments, England have discovered that working with just three goalkeepers can put too much training load on the players in the squad, with goalkeepers sometimes required to take part in drills designed more to aid outfield players, rather than simply working on their own game.
Southgate has been considering taking a fourth, non-playing, goalkeeper to Germany for several months but only made the final decision in recent days after settling on Heaton as the ideal candidate.
The former Burnleygoalkeeper has been used to playing a supporting role since rejoining his first club Manchester United in 2021, making just two senior appearances, both in the Carabao Cup in the 2022-23 season.
Heaton’s character seems to have been the deciding factor in his favour: he is well-regarded by the England coaching set-up for his attitude and professionalism.
So he is expected to help pick up the slack in the goalkeeping department and help create the atmosphere Southgate wants on the training ground.
What will Heaton do in Germany?
Essentially, Heaton will be the 27th member of the England squad, the only caveat being that he is not registered to feature in any of the Euro 2024 fixtures.
He will take a full part in training alongside fellow goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, who is established as England’s No 1, Aaron Ramsdaleand Dean Henderson.
That will mean participating in exercises alongside the trio and goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson as well as bigger training sessions with the wider squad.
But he will also take on the role of a senior player, offering advice and setting an example in training and around the training base.
“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 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.”
Could he play for England if they had a sudden injury crisis?
In theory, yes, but in practice, almost certainly no.
Heaton won three England caps in 2016 and 2017 during his time at Burnley and technically he remains available to be added to the squad should Pickford, Ramsdale or Henderson suffer a tournament-ending injury.
But in reality, he has been added to the travelling group to fulfil a specific role in training and, should England need an extra goalkeeper for their matchday squads, they will turn to one with more recent top-level experience.
Burnley’s James Trafford, who was in the provisional squad before missing out on the final 26, would be in pole position should that need arise.
Is this common at a major tournament?
No, although England do regularly add players to their training squads at St George’s Park, often from the under-21s, who usually train on adjacent pitches.
Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand, who were West Ham Unitedyoungsters at the time, were added to the England squad before Euro ’96 to gain experience and add numbers to the training group, despite not being part of the official squad.
And England often call up four goalkeepers for training camps. They also occasionally call on the services of a local goalkeeper for specific sessions when they are preparing for a game abroad, so Heaton’s inclusion gives them a permanent figure to fill that role.
“I am incredibly honoured to be asked by Gareth to join the squad,” said Heaton. “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.”
What is Heaton’s situation at Manchester United?
Heaton has been behind United No 1 Andre Onanaand understudy Altay Bayindirin the Old Trafford pecking order. His contract is due to expire this summer, when he would be free to join another club.
But he is in discussions with United about a new deal so he could extend his stay for another season.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5554096/2024/06/10/tom-heaton-england-euro-24-explained/
Tom Heaton: Why have England called him up to Euro 2024 squad – and could he play?
There was an unexpected face on the plane that took England’s players to their Euro 2024 training base in Germany today.
Veteran Manchester Unitedgoalkeeper Tom Heaton, who did not make a competitive appearance for the club last season, travelled with Gareth Southgate’s sidefor their opening game against Serbiaon Sunday, albeit not as part of the official 26-man squad.
Heaton, 38, has played for England three times – most recently against Francein 2017 – but is now a long way from contention when squads are selected.
So what is behind his surprise call-up?
Heaton hasn’t played since 2023 – so why has Southgate asked him?
In previous tournaments, England have discovered that working with just three goalkeepers can put too much training load on the players in the squad, with goalkeepers sometimes required to take part in drills designed more to aid outfield players, rather than simply working on their own game.
Southgate has been considering taking a fourth, non-playing, goalkeeper to Germany for several months but only made the final decision in recent days after settling on Heaton as the ideal candidate.
The former Burnleygoalkeeper has been used to playing a supporting role since rejoining his first club Manchester United in 2021, making just two senior appearances, both in the Carabao Cup in the 2022-23 season.
Heaton’s character seems to have been the deciding factor in his favour: he is well-regarded by the England coaching set-up for his attitude and professionalism.
So he is expected to help pick up the slack in the goalkeeping department and help create the atmosphere Southgate wants on the training ground.
What will Heaton do in Germany?
Essentially, Heaton will be the 27th member of the England squad, the only caveat being that he is not registered to feature in any of the Euro 2024 fixtures.
He will take a full part in training alongside fellow goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, who is established as England’s No 1, Aaron Ramsdaleand Dean Henderson.
That will mean participating in exercises alongside the trio and goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson as well as bigger training sessions with the wider squad.
But he will also take on the role of a senior player, offering advice and setting an example in training and around the training base.
“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 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.”
Could he play for England if they had a sudden injury crisis?
In theory, yes, but in practice, almost certainly no.
Heaton won three England caps in 2016 and 2017 during his time at Burnley and technically he remains available to be added to the squad should Pickford, Ramsdale or Henderson suffer a tournament-ending injury.
But in reality, he has been added to the travelling group to fulfil a specific role in training and, should England need an extra goalkeeper for their matchday squads, they will turn to one with more recent top-level experience.
Burnley’s James Trafford, who was in the provisional squad before missing out on the final 26, would be in pole position should that need arise.
Is this common at a major tournament?
No, although England do regularly add players to their training squads at St George’s Park, often from the under-21s, who usually train on adjacent pitches.
Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand, who were West Ham Unitedyoungsters at the time, were added to the England squad before Euro ’96 to gain experience and add numbers to the training group, despite not being part of the official squad.
And England often call up four goalkeepers for training camps. They also occasionally call on the services of a local goalkeeper for specific sessions when they are preparing for a game abroad, so Heaton’s inclusion gives them a permanent figure to fill that role.
“I am incredibly honoured to be asked by Gareth to join the squad,” said Heaton. “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.”
What is Heaton’s situation at Manchester United?
Heaton has been behind United No 1 Andre Onanaand understudy Altay Bayindirin the Old Trafford pecking order. His contract is due to expire this summer, when he would be free to join another club.
But he is in discussions with United about a new deal so he could extend his stay for another season.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5554096/2024/06/10/tom-heaton-england-euro-24-explained/
