Report: Sam Johnstone set to receive England call-up to reward standout West Brom displays
Sam Johnstone has been a rare bright spark in a woeful West Brom season and he is set to receive his just rewards with a call-up to the senior England squad.
The Albion stopper has shipped 55 goals in 28 Premier League games this season, more than any other goalkeeper, but he has rarely been at fault and has emerged from this season with real credit in the bank despite his club hurtling towards relegation.
According to the Daily Mail website the 27-year-old has impressed England manager Gareth Southgate ahead of this summer’s European Championships and he is in line to be handed senior international recognition for the first time.
With number one Jordan Pickford struggling with a rib injury aggravated in Everton v Burnley on Saturday Johnstone is a leading candidate to replace him in this month’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Albania, San Marino and Poland.
Baggies barrier
This would be no more than Johnstone deserves as he has often been the standout star in this uninspiring Albion side.
But it goes to show just how bad our defence and midfield have been that we have suffered so immensely at the back yet our keeper is primed for an England call-up.
Despite his best efforts he has not been able to thwart all efforts at goal such has been the deluge of shots that have been raining in on his goal all season.
The issue will be whether we can hold onto him next season as he is sure to attract attention from Premier League clubs and he would we well within his rights to want to stay in the top-flight.
Perhaps this England call-up will help to drive his price up and begin a bidding war.
In other West Brom news, Big Sam takes aim at 29y/o Albion ace after Palace defeat.
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