Jason Steele handed surprise England call-up for Uruguay and Japan friendlies | OneFootball

Jason Steele has received a surprise England call-up, included by Thomas Tuchel in a 35-man squad for this month’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

The FA said his selection raises the prospect of him joining the World Cup squad as a training goalkeeper in the summer.

The Newton Aycliffe-born goalkeeper joined Sunderland from Blackburn Rovers in 2017 as the club adjusted to the Championship after relegation under David Moyes. He started the first four league games under Simon Grayson and made 18 appearances in all competitions as Sunderland suffered consecutive relegations into the third tier for only the second time.

He departed before the following season, joining Brighton on a free transfer. He has since made over 60 appearances for the Seagulls and featured in their 2023/24 Europa League campaign.

Despite not playing in the Premier League this season, the 35-year-old has been named in a senior England squad for the first time after youth caps.

Tuchel explained the 35-man list has been split to expand competition for places on the plane to the US, bringing in players he has seen less of. From Friday and Saturday, around 10 or 11 rested players will join before a mixed group takes on Japan.

Source: Sunderland Echo