Former Sunderland man lands shock England call-up for Uruguay and Japan friendlies | OneFootball

Jason Steele has received a surprise England call-up, with the former Sunderland and Middlesbrough goalkeeper named in Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man group. The Three Lions face Uruguay and Japan in friendlies later this month.

The FA said in a statement that Steele’s selection raises the prospect that he could join the World Cup squad in the summer as a training goalkeeper. It is the 35-year-old’s first senior selection, after caps at several youth levels.

Steele joined Sunderland from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2017 as the club adjusted to the Championship following Premier League relegation under David Moyes. He started the first four league games under Simon Grayson and made 18 appearances in all competitions as the Black Cats dropped into the third tier for only the second time in their history.

He left before the following season, joining Brighton on a free transfer, and has since made over 60 appearances, including in their 2023/24 Europa League campaign. He has not played in the Premier League this season.

England have expanded the squad to assess players short of minutes and to increase competition for places. A further cohort is due to report later, with a mixed group to face Japan.

Source: Sunderland Echo