Heaton on joining England staff

Tom Heaton has opened up on the call he received from Gareth Southgate that led to him joining the squad as a coach.

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.”