England manager Gareth Southgate has asked one Manchester United player to link up with the Three Lions squad ahead of the start of Euro 2024 in Germany.
Gareth Southgate announced his provisional 33-man England squad for Euro 2024, with Manchester United star Marcus Rashford a high-profile omission.
The Three Lions boss, who has been linked with United, whittled down his Euro 2024 squad to 26 men last week ahead of the tournament kicking off this month.
United defender Luke Shaw, who is currently recovering from injury, has been named in the 26-man England squad alongside midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Former Red Devils captain Harry Maguire, on the other hand, was forced to withdraw from the England camp last month due to injury.
Maguire, who has been a key defensive figure for England under Southgate, will not be on the plane to Germany and recently broke his silence over missing the Euros.
Southgate turns to Man Utd player
England impressed during their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, with the Three Lions finishing ahead of Euro 2020 champions Italy in Group C.
The Three Lions won six of their eight qualifies and drew the remaining two, with Gareth Southgate’s men punching their ticket to Germany without a single defeat.
However, Southgate has come under fire over England’s form ahead of the competition after winning only one of their last five international matches.
England tasted defeat in their last international friendly before Euro 2024 after suffering a 1-0 loss to Iceland at Wembley last week.
According to the Football Association’s website, England boss Southgate has now called up Tom Heaton for the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 squad.
The United shot-stopper, who has been capped three times for England, will link up with the likes of Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson.
“I am really pleased Tom has agreed to join us in Germany,” Southgate said.
“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 reacts to England call-up
Tom Heaton took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and welcomed the opportunity to link up with the England squad for Euro 2024.
“Incredibly honoured to be asked by Gareth to join the squad,” he said.
“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.”