I’m surprised the Heat is on me

Tom Heaton is shocked to be in Germany’s as England’s training goalkeeper – but is ready to push Gareth Southgate’s three stoppers all the way at Euro 2024.

Manchester United’s No 3 keeper last season, Heaton, 38, was part of England’s 2016 Euros squad which saw them dumped out by Iceland.

Heaton has three England caps with two of them under Gareth Southgate. He will work alongside Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson.

Heaton said: “It feels very special. Gareth rang me a couple weeks ago, floated the idea and I jumped at the opportunity.

“To come and be a part of it, at another major championship, is an honour and a privilege. I’m delighted to be here.

“It’s different, but I think it’s just a different challenge for me. I’ve come to support the boys, the goalkeepers, the outfielders, push them in training, try and offer them a different perspective and support in that manner.

“Of course, I’d love to be playing. I’m a football player that wants to play football matches, but it’s not that role. It’s a different role.

“But any opportunity to come and represent your country in some form. As I say, it was an amazing phone call and it didn’t take long for me to say yes.”