SUNDERLAND keeper Anthony Patterson is in line for a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s FULL England squad.
Patterson has already been checked out for his first Under-21s appearance as he is earmarked to play in this summer’s European championship.
But the Black Cats stopper could make the full squad for next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine, or be taken along to train with the team.
Patterson was being scouted as a potential fourth-choice for the Three Lions even before a calf injury KO’d Crystal Palace keeper Sam Johnstone until April.
The 22-year-old has played in all of Sunderland’s 34 league games so far this season, conceding 38 goals.
The club currently sit 9th in the Championship and four points off the play-offs after back-to-back defeats to Rotherham and Coventry.
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Patterson has been at the club since 2018 but last season spent time away on loan at Notts County to develop his skillset.
Southgate has long regarded Jordan Pickford as his number one.
The 28-year-old, who signed a new contract at Everton earlier this week, was the number 1 at the last two World Cups and the 2020 Euros.
But his position could come under increased scrutiny as his fellow English goalies fight for the jersey.
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Until last week’s sending off against Liverpool, Nick Pope had been enjoying a near-faultless season in between the sticks for Newcastle.
While Aaron Ramsdale has also been consistently impressive for league leaders Arsenal.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
