Ross Jones

Sat 12 September 2020 17:00, UK

West Brom fans have been firmly divided over Sam Johnstone’s statement of his England ambitions. 

The stopper is yet to feature in the Premier League, but is already eyeing up a potential call-up for the Three Lions.

Speaking to the inews, he said: “First of all, I have to do well for West Brom.

“There are going to be people at games, people watching, things will be highlighted more, one way or another, positively or negatively.

“Gareth Southgate is open, it’s not the same names each week, it’s whoever is performing each week. You look at Nick Pope, he’s doing unbelievably well in the squad. I want to do that.

“I want to do well and impress people and be in his thoughts of getting called up.”

But many the Albion fanbase is torn over his prospects.

While some have backed him, pointing out his obvious potential and impressive shot stopping ability, others have questioned whether he has the dominance and decision-making ability to be an international keeper.

For what it’s worth, we see no reason why he couldn’t play his way into Southgate’s plans.

As Johnstone himself pointed out, nobody could have foreseen Nick Pope being an England number one contender this time a few years ago.

And the Baggies keeper is, to his credit, a consistent enough performer.

Last season, for instance, he conceded 0.03 fewer goals per 90 minutes than he was expected to based on xCG, as per Wyscout.

If he can show that steadiness in the top flight, there’s no reason why he couldn’t put himself in contention for an international nod.

Here are some of the best tweets from West Brom fans:

In other West Brom news, Baggies player signs new contract ahead of 20/21 season

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