Tom Heaton has only played three times for United since joining them from Aston Villa in 2021, and he operated as the third-choice stopper behind Anre Onana and Altay Bayindir last season
Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton has joined up with the England squad as a training goalkeeper throughout Euro 2024.
The 38-year-old, who has won three senior caps, will train alongside fellow goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson having been added to the squad by manager Gareth Southgate.
Heaton has only played three times for United since joining them from Aston Villa in 2021, and he operated as the third-choice stopper behind Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir last season.
He won his most recent cap for England in 2017, and was part of the squad which went to Euro 2016 under Southgate’s predecessor Roy Hodgson.
Heaton’s presence in Germany will ease the training workload on first-choice stopper Pickford and his deputies Ramsdale and Henderson, with Southgate said to value the veteran’s presence around the squad, which includes United pair Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo.
Announcing the news, Southgate said: “I am really pleased Tom has agreed to join us in Germany. Experience tells us that a tournament can put a lot of demand on our goalkeeping department, 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 added: “I am incredibly honoured to be asked by Gareth to join the squad.
“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. We have a great squad, I’m excited and can’t wait to join the group.”
Heaton’s most recent United appearance came in a 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final, second leg win over Nottingham Forest in February last year.
His contract with the club will expire this summer, but he is in discussions over extending his stay at Old Trafford, where he came through the youth ranks after joining from Wrexham as a teenager.
As well as several loans away from United as a youngster, he has also had spells with Cardiff, Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa.
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