Man Utd player called up to England’s Euro 2024 camp as Gareth Southgate makes late addition

### Tom Heaton Joins England’s Euro 2024 Camp: Southgate Makes a Late Addition

England manager Gareth Southgate has made a surprising late addition to his squad just days before the start of Euro 2024. Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been called up to join the team in a move that has intrigued fans and pundits alike.

#### The Final Squad Cut

On Thursday, Southgate trimmed his provisional 33-man squad to the final 26 players who will represent England in Germany. Notably, the injured Harry Maguire, alongside Jack Grealish and James Maddison, were omitted, raising eyebrows. Promising talents like Jarrad Branthwaite, Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, and James Trafford also didn’t make the cut.

#### Heaton’s Role and Experience

Despite not being initially included, Tom Heaton, the experienced 38-year-old Manchester United goalkeeper, has been brought into the squad as a training goalkeeper. Heaton’s inclusion aims to ease the workload on the three main goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, and Aaron Ramsdale.

Heaton expressed his excitement and honor on social media, saying, “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.”

#### Southgate’s Perspective

Southgate emphasized the strategic importance of Heaton’s addition, stating, “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.”

#### Heaton’s International Journey

Tom Heaton has previously earned three caps for England between 2016 and 2017 and was part of the squads for Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League Finals. His extensive experience and leadership qualities are expected to be a valuable asset for the team.

#### England’s Tournament Outlook

England’s Euro 2024 campaign kicks off against Serbia on June 16, followed by group stage matches against Denmark and Slovenia. Despite a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Iceland in their final warm-up match, England remains one of the favorites to win the tournament, alongside powerhouse teams like France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain.

#### Southgate’s Message to Fans

Following the defeat to Iceland, Southgate addressed the team’s lackluster performance and the subsequent boos from the Wembley crowd. He assured fans, “I’m confident we will be better than we were tonight against Serbia in our opening game. You would like a good performance and a crowd that’s been entertained to leave them on a high before the Euros, and clearly, we weren’t at the level we needed to be. In a way, it will focus the mind and it shows that any complacency, or thinking that talent alone is going to get us this trophy, won’t be enough.”

Southgate’s realistic yet optimistic approach sets the tone for England’s journey ahead, emphasizing the need for focus and determination as they aim to bring home their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

#### A Unique Prediction for England’s Success

In a quirky twist, Jemima Packington, a fortune teller known for her unique method of predicting events using asparagus, has foretold a successful Euro 2024 for England. Packington, who has accurately predicted significant events in the past, believes that England fans have every reason to be optimistic, citing her asparagus spears pointing to the phrase “It’s Coming Home.”

Her prediction adds an interesting layer of excitement and hope for fans as they await the team’s performance in Germany.

With the addition of Tom Heaton and the support of fans and fortune tellers alike, England heads into Euro 2024 with high hopes and a united front. The stage is set for an exciting tournament, and the nation eagerly anticipates the unfolding of their Euro journey.