Tom Heaton Proud to Make History for Burnley After Winning England Cap

Published on: 30 May 2016

Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton made history for the Clarets after his long-awaited England debut in the Three Lions' 2-1 victory over Australia.

 

The Burnley skipper became the first man from Turf Moor to play for the national side in more than 40 years as he replaced Southampton's Fraser Forster for the final three minutes of the friendly as Roy Hodgson's side continue their build-up for Euro 2016.

Tonight was a night for debuts. Congratulations to Tom Heaton on his first appearance for the #ThreeLions. ? https://t.co/k60ki8VTDq

The last Clarets player to pick up a national cap was Martin Dobson in June 1974 as he made his fourth appearance for England against Yugoslavia, with Heaton breaking the long awaited duck against the Socceroos.

"?"?

Speaking to the Burnley Express, the 30-year-old was delighted to finally register his first minutes for the Hodgson's side.

 

"I'm delighted, I'm very pleased to get on and get a cap. It's been a long hard journey for me.

 

"Roy has a lot of tough decisions to make, I knew it was a possibility I would get a cap.

Congratulations to Tom Heaton who becomes the first @BurnleyOfficial player to represent #eng since Martin Dobson in 1974.

"It was incredible. A big, big moment. I felt ready for it, I've been with the team for a year or so now.

 

"It's a nice challenge. Everyone faces challenges and mine was having to wait but I embrace that. It's a dream come true.

 

"There is an incredible environment here. Joe Hart was waiting for me when I came off the pitch."?

 

Heaton himself kept 20 clean sheets for Burnley in 2015/16 as they gained promotion to the Premier League. The goalkeeper is expected to make the final squad for Euro 2016 with Jack Butland ruled out injured.

Comments