Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast, Micah Richards has tipped West Brom ace Sam Johnstone for an England call-up after his impressive performance against Liverpool at the weekend.
Johnstone really showed up against Liverpool, conceding just one goal despite the Baggies playing with their backs against the walls for the majority of the game, and Richards believes that he should be in Gareth Southgate’s plans going forward.
“The one person I want to talk about is Sam Johnstone,” Richards said.
“We talk about England goalkeepers at this moment in time, he’s got to be up there in terms of performance and form. He’s got to be in Gareth Southgate’s next squad for me.
“Henderson’s not playing at Man United, Pope’s in there as well and Pickford.”
Johnstone has been brilliant lately, conceding just two goals against Man City and Liverpool despite having an onslaught of shots peppering his goal.
Of course, it’d be easy to look at his goals conceded tally and laugh off this suggestion, but when it comes to shot stopping, there are few English keepers better than Johnstone at the moment.
We’ve seen goalies from struggling sides make waves at international level before, just look at the trio Richards suggested as alternatives, with Nick Pope, Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson making their names at Burnley, Sunderland and Sheffield United, three sides that, with all due respect, aren’t the strongest in the league.
It’s been a little while since we saw a West Brom player represent the Three Lions, but with Johnstone staking his claim, there’s every chance he can work his way into Southgate’s plans.
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