Anthony Patterson could be rewarded for his excellent form with a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad as Premier League duo Wolves and Leicester City eye the Sunderland goalkeeper, according to The Sun.
If Patterson is indeed included in the Three Lions camp for the upcoming internationals, he may find himself sharing a dressing room with a man who was in his shoes not so long ago. Jordan Pickford was born just 12 miles south of Patterson’s hometown of North Shields.
The similarities between the two shot-stoppers do not end there either. Patterson, like Pickford, rose through the ranks at Sunderland, establishing himself as one of Britain’s most talented young shot-stoppers. He even has three penalty saves to his name this season.
According to The Sun, there is a chance that Patterson will be joining Pickford in the Premier League sooner rather than later too; Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester preparing to test the waters.
Sunderland, the report adds, may consider offers of around £10 million. Then again, Patterson’s price-tag will rise exponentially if he does indeed get the nod for Southgate’s England squad; the 22-year-old in line to become one of only a handful of Championship players – alongside Jay Boothroyd and David Nugent – to receive a call-up while plying their trade below the Premier League.
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson in line for England call-up
Patterson, The Sun say, could be in the camp for England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine in March.
“He dominates his box,” says Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray, highlighting Patterson’s maturity and composure, that rather laid-back style at odds with the more rambunctious Pickford.
“He makes crucial saves. He’s just a nice kid, a nice big, 6f 4ins kid who hardly talks but he is brilliant at what he does,” Mowbray adds.
“We all love him. How far can he go? The phone dictates that; if people in the Premier League are watching him or England are watching him, or whatever it would be. We’ll wait and see.
“At this moment, we’re just delighted he’s with us. Delighted he’s enjoying his football and playing well.”
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