Burnley’s Tom Heaton admits England recognition remains a goal for him as he continues his fine comeback. The goalkeeper travelled to Euro 2016 with the Three Lions and after earning three caps for the national team, he was expected to go to last summer’s World Cup, potentially as first choice.
However, a shoulder injury suffered in September 2017 wrecked his chances and Nick Pope then excelled in his absence to earn a place in Russia.
A calf strain made life tough for him at the start of the current campaign but after replacing Joe Hart between the sticks, with Pope picking up his own injury, Heaton has shone as the Clarets have gone on a run of seven games without defeat.
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With doubts over Jordan Pickford’s form for Everton, Gareth Southgate might be looking at his options for March’s Euro 2020 qualifiers.
While he is refusing to get carried away, the 32-year-old says he has not given up on winning more England caps. “I’m not trying to forecast it but obviously I harbour ambitions to be back involved,” Heaton said. “I can’t shy away from that but there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge yet. “What’s important for me is to stay focussed day in, day out, get the performances right and see where that takes me. “I’ve always had a massive hunger for that and I’ve always harboured ambitions. It’s certainly a goal of mine but I’m very conscious of not getting carried away. “I’m focussing on what’s right in front of me at the minute. To get back in would be good, it would be very good.”
