Jordan Pickford to replace Tom Heaton

Football News – Sunderland youngster Jordan Pickford has been brought in to the England squad to replace the injured Tom Heaton.

Heaton has picked up an injury ahead of the Three Lions’ clash with Slovenia on Tuesday, meaning that the 22-year-old will get a chance with the senior squad.

It is unlikely that the Black Cats stopper will appear between the sticks for Gareth Southgate’s side, with both Joe Hart and Fraser Forster ahead of him in the pecking order.

Pickford has impressed since an injury to Vito Mannone saw him thrust in to the starting line-up at the Stadium of Light, but still hasn’t registered a clean sheet in his five Premier League appearances behind a very shaky defence this season.

In his career seven top flight games, the ‘keeper has conceded a mammoth 15 times, although this does say more about the defenders than the often beleaguered stopper.

Heaton is the fourth player to withdraw from the England squad after injuries to Raheem Sterling, Ryan Bertrand, and Glen Johnson saw them replaced with Andros Townsend, Kieran Gibbs and Michael Keane respectively.

England won the first game of the Southgate era 2-0 against Malta on Saturday, with goals from Daniel Sturridge and Dele Alli to thank for victory in the World Cup qualifier.

Slovenia will be a tougher test on Tuesday, but the national team are still expected to come through with another three points.

Category: Football