Tom Heaton Joins England Squad as Training Goalkeeper for Euro 2024

Tom Heaton will accompany the England squad to Germany as a training goalkeeper for Euro 2024, providing support to the trio of Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, and Dean Henderson throughout the tournament.

The 38-year-old Heaton has previously earned three senior caps for England, with his international career spanning from MU16 through MU21 levels.

He was a member of the squads at UEFA EURO 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals during his tenure as a goalkeeper for Manchester United.

Gareth Southgate expressed his delight at Heaton joining the squad, noting the demands a tournament can place on the goalkeeping group and highlighting the invaluable role Heaton will play in supporting the primary goalkeepers.

Heaton’s experience and positive presence, well-known to everyone, are expected to contribute to the encouraging environment the England team aims to foster.

The England manager expressed gratitude to Manchester United for facilitating Heaton’s involvement.

Reflecting on the changes in the England team’s culture from his previous involvement during Euro 2016, Heaton commends Southgate’s impact on shifting the team’s outlook and fostering a more cohesive environment within the squad.

Heaton is optimistic about England’s chances in Euro 2024, noting the strong squad and recent successes that position them as contenders for the championship title in Berlin on July 14.

The goalkeeper believes the current England team is better equipped for success than during the Euro 2016 tournament, where they suffered an unexpected defeat to Iceland in the round of 16.

Heaton expressed his commitment to supporting the goalkeeping trio and the entire England team in any way during his role as a training goalkeeper for Euro 2024.

His return to the national team setup for a major championship marks a special moment for Heaton, who eagerly anticipates contributing to England’s campaign.

Despite being out of contract at Manchester United, Heaton has no intentions of retiring and remains enthusiastic about his future in football.

His enthusiasm was evident as he participated in England’s first training session in Germany post-arrival.

Heaton’s presence is poised to bolster England’s goalkeeping department and provide valuable experience and knowledge to the team as they aim for a successful Euro 2024 campaign.