Manchester United have a surprise representative at Euro 2024 after a veteran performer was called up in a non-playing role.
Tom Heaton earned a surprise call to join the England squad this week, in a goalkeeping support role.
Heaton will work behind the scenes to prepare Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson and Aaron Ramsdale for the tournament.
After a season of hard work behind the scenes at Manchester United, where he did not play a single game, Heaton is ideally suited for the role.
Tom Heaton responds to retirement talk
Tom Heaton, 38, is out of contract at the end of the current season, although Manchester United are negotiating over a new deal.
Yet this involvement with England represents a coaching and mentorship role, leading to questions over whether his playing days could be coming to an end.
Speaking to TalkSport, Heaton has refuted the suggestion he intends to retire.
He responded: “No, definitely not. You know, for me, it’s all about feel. I still feel bang at it, still feel good, you know, I have had a couple of weeks’ holiday and not done very much, so to come in today and get up to speed, but if I am honest, I enjoyed it, you know.
“As I said, it was great to be back out there, but certainly no thoughts about that.”
Heaton desire to play could involve United exit
Tom Heaton is third choice goalkeeper at Manchester United, a role which means he is unlikely to see any action.
He did not play at all in 2023/24, although did impress with some competent displays during pre-season.
Heaton still clearly has the buzz to contribute, believing he is capable of stepping out onto the pitch if called upon.
That could lead him to pursue a role as a free agent where he has one last run in a regular playing role, before he does eventually hang up his gloves.