Why England are considering a goalkeeper who never plays for the World Cup | OneFootball

Jason Steele has been handed a first senior England call-up at 35 and, despite seldom playing for Brighton, could travel to this summer’s World Cup as a specialist training goalkeeper. He is in Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man group for home friendlies against Uruguay and Japan this month.

NY Times notes that Tuchel, citing England’s past practice of taking a fourth keeper for training, has identified Steele as a candidate while acknowledging the final squad allows only three. Steele’s presence in the March camp gives him a chance to secure that role in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Tuchel set out that a fourth goalkeeper would support the group and the goalkeeper coach, assist a penalty-taking unit, and relieve workloads. He said they need quality, experience and the right energy and attitude, and that Steele fits the profile.

Steele has not played a Premier League match since August 2024. With Bart Verbruggen established as Fabian Hurzeler’s first choice, his eight outings have come in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Hurzeler has praised his daily levels and said he performs when called upon.

Since joining Brighton in 2018, Steele has largely been back-up. Under Roberto De Zerbi he ousted Robert Sanchez in March 2023, then contributed six clean sheets in the final 13 league matches as Albion finished sixth and qualified for Europe for the first time.

Source: NY Times