Sunderland stopper in line for senior England call-up ahead of Euros qualifiers
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson is reportedly in line for a shock call-up to the senior England squad.
Earlier this month it was reported that Patterson has been earmarked by the Three Lions to be their number one for the Under-21s European Championships this summer.
However, The Sun now report that Patterson has caught the eye of senior boss Gareth Southgate, and he is keen to have a much closer look at the Sunderland stopper next month.
That, according to the report, could see him called up to the full England squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine in March or at least asked to come and training with the seniors.
Should he join the senior squad, that would see him join forces with another Sunderland academy goalkeeping product, with Jordan Pickford well-established as England’s number one.
Competition is fierce, though, with Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope both pushing hard for more opportunities too.
Patterson would obviously then just be a fourth choice, a role he would take from Crystal Palace ‘keeper Sam Johnstone who is out until April with a calf problem.
“He's a top goalkeeper,” Tony Mowbray said of Patterson last month.
“I've been in football more than 40 years and this kid is a very talented boy who has an amazing temperament.
“Nothing fazes him, he's very calm about everything, he's not bouncing all over the place and losing the plot.
“He's a very calm goalie who makes great saves.”
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