Ex-Bristol goalkeeper wins surprise England call-up to play ‘invaluable role’ at Euro 2024

Former no. Bristol City No.1 Tom Heaton has received a surprise call-up to the England squad, joining the Three Lions in Germany as a training goalkeeper.

Heaton, who made 44 appearances for the Robins in 2012/13, 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 reserve role, with his last professional appearance coming against Nottingham Forest in a League Cup tie in February 2023. Heaton becomes agent free at the end of it. this month but there have been talks over extending his contract at OId Trafford.

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

“Incredibly honored to be asked by Gareth to join the team,” 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. I have a great team, I’m excited and can’t wait to join the group.”

Named the 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 to League One.

The goalkeeper had been signed the previous summer from Cardiff City, but only on a one-year deal and despite being offered new terms, Heaton chose to move on and join Burnley, where he spent six seasons, winning twice promoted under former City defender Sean Dyche.

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

“I am very pleased that Tom has agreed to join us in Germany. Experience tells us that a tournament can place a big demand on our goalkeeping group led by Martyn Margetson,” England manager Gareth Southgate said. “Tom will play an invaluable role on the training ground supporting Jordan, Aaron and Dean.

“Off the pitch, as someone we all know well, he will contribute to the positive environment we always seek to create. We are grateful to Manchester United for their support in making this happen.”

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