Gareth Southgate had chosen not to take on Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire for the next Euro. Tactical choice some will say, preserving your group management or launching talents will say others, but the last minute choice of the English coach will be enough to make the two Mancunian players cringe.
Because among the goalkeepers is the name of Tom Heaton. Unknown to the general public, the 38-year-old goalkeeper wears the colors of Manchester United, although the presence of Onana in the Red Devils cages limits him to a substitute place. He has not played an official match since February 1, 2023. It was a League Cup semi-final. Gareth Southgate has therefore decided to take the Englishman back for the next Euro.
Within the English selection, he will assist Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton) and Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), the three goalkeepers previously selected, but will also try to share his experience with the young English group. Because officially, Tom Heaton will play the role of “training” goalkeeper. This will be present in daily life and will share all the sessions.
Euro 2024: here is the English preselection, without several stars
”I’m happy he accepted this role”, the English coach soberly declared. After a long career bouncing between different clubs in the country (Bristol, Burnley, Aston Villa), here he is ready to take on a whole new challenge. “Getting the call to play in a major tournament, helping in any way I can and passing on my experience is a proud moment. We have a great team, I’m excited and can’t wait to join the group.”
England will play their first match against Serbia on June 16. But if you’re hoping to see Heaton in the cages, unfortunately that won’t be possible. With his role dedicated to training, he will not be able to participate in any matches in the competition. In the event of a final victory, he would still be titled European champion.
