Tom Heaton: Manchester United veteran to join England's Euro 2024 squad as 'training goalkeeper'

Manchester United's Tom Heaton will be part of England’s European Championship squad as a non-playing 'training goalkeeper'.

Heaton, 38, was part of the squad to fly to Leipzig on Monday afternoon and will support Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson for the duration of England's involvement in the tournament.

Heaton earned three caps for England between 2016 and 2017, and was a member of the squads for both Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League finals.

United's third-choice goalkeeper last made a senior club appearance in December 2021, when he came off the bench in a Champions League game against Young Boys at Old Trafford.

He has not played Premier League football since January 2020 when he was with Aston Villa.

England boss Gareth 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 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."

James Trafford, the Burnley goalkeeper, was named in Southgate's original 33-man training squad for the Euros but was one of seven players axed on Thursday last week.