Gareth Southgate makes personal check on Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as he looks to hang on to his England place amid competition from Nick Pope
- Crystal palace keeper Sam Johnstone has let in just one goal in so far this season
- The 30-year-old has made three appearances for England, but none since 2021
- WATCH: ‘ It’s All Kicking Off’ – Episode 2 – Mail Sport’s brand new football show
England boss Gareth Southgate made a personal check on Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone earlier this week.
Johnstone has started the season as Palace’s first choice goalkeeper, conceding just once so far – Martin Odegaard’s penalty in Monday’s home loss to Arsenal.
The 30-year-old’s position as Eagles No 1 could come under scrutiny in the coming days as Palace look to sign a new goalkeeper, with a move for Manchester United’s Dean Henderson in the offing.
However, there are no automatic guarantees that Henderson will replace in goal for Palace if he is signed with head coach Roy Hodgson a big fan of Johnstone.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has made an impressive start to the season
England boss Gareth Southgate has made a personal check on the 30-year-old
His place in the Three Lions’ squad may be threatened by Newcastle’s Nick Pope
Johnstone hopes to keep his place in the England squad for next month’s matches abasing Ukraine and Scotland.
He was watched by Southgate against the Gunners at Selhurst Park on Monday night.
The keeper was handed an international recall at the end of last season after ending the domestic campaign as Palace’s first-choice keeper.
But with Newcastle No 1 Nick Pope available, Johnstone will have to wait to see if he keeps his England place.
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