- Heaton is yet to appear in the league for United since rejoining in 2021.
- His contract expires in June and the coaching position is expected to follow.
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Manchester United back-up goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been announced as a surprise addition to England’s Euro 2024 camp.
The Three Lions will land in Germany on Monday ahead of their opening match against Serbia on June 16. Gareth Southgate confirmed his 26-man squad last week, which included three goalkeepers.
However, Heaton, who was only included in four of the Red Devils’ Premier League matchday squads last season, has joined the group as a training goalkeeper.
The 38-year-old said he was “incredibly honoured” to have been asked by the England coach to be part of the build-up and praised the “great” team taking part in the tournament.
“It is an incredible honor that Gareth has asked me to join the team.” He wrote in cluster.’
Tom Heaton was included in just four of Manchester United’s Premier League matchday squads last season.
Gareth Southgate (right) has recruited the experienced stopper to help with training during the tournament.
The 38-year-old said he felt “incredibly honoured” to be asked to join the England squad.
The former Burnley star has been capped three times by England, with his last appearance coming in a 3-2 friendly win over France in 2017.
Heaton was named in England’s Euro 2016 squad but failed to get any minutes before the Three Lions’ shock round of 16 defeat to Iceland.
Southgate insisted Heaton will play “an invaluable role” in supporting the goalkeeping unit and thanked his club for their support in allowing him to join the group.
“I am very pleased that Tom has agreed to join us in Germany.” The England coach stated in a statement about the FA website. ‘Experience tells us that a tournament can demand a lot from our group of goalkeepers led by Martyn Margetson.
‘Tom will play an invaluable role on the training ground supporting Jordan, Aaron and Dean. Off the field, as someone we all know well, he will contribute to the positive environment we always seek to create.
“We thank Manchester United for their support in making this happen.”
The veteran goalkeeper rejoined United in 2021, having started his career at the club as a youngster, but has yet to make a league appearance for the team in the last three years.
Heaton has made three appearances for England and was part of Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 squad.
According to reports last month, he is willing to remain at the club and take on the coaching role once his contract expires at the end of June.
On Monday, England’s Euro 2024 stars returned to their training base at St George’s Park before heading to Germany.
The players had the weekend off after their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley on Friday night in their final friendly before the Euros.
But despite that setback, the players seemed in good spirits when they returned on Monday morning, with captain Harry Kane smiling for the cameras.
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, who joined the team after winning the Champions League earlier this month.
Excitement is building ahead of England’s first Euro match against Serbia on Sunday, and Prince William along with his son Prince Louis appeared to offer the players some last-minute advice.
The Prince of Wales was seen chatting to Southgate and later told the team that his son had recommended “double portions” for doing the job in Germany.
The England players have returned to St George’s, with captain Harry Kane leading the way.
England checks into his five-star resort (pictured) in Germany later today
The team will fly this afternoon to their training base at the Weimarer Land Spa and Golf Resort in Germany.
The five-star luxury resort features three golf courses, a paddle tennis court and two swimming pools to ensure players have plenty of downtime between matches as they look to finally put an end to 58 years of pain.
