England: Burnley Keeper Tom Heaton called up to squad following injury to Manchester City pair Raheem Sterling and Joe Hart

 

Roy Hodgson has called up Burnley keeper Tom Heaton to his England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Holland and Germany.

Heaton comes in as a replacement for Joe Hart, who was injured during Manchester City's 1-0 loss to rivals United.

Hart was injured his calf after a short backpass from Martin Demichelis left him scrambling to get to the ball away. Forward Raheem Sterling was also injured after pulling a groin during the match.

Heaton will provide cover to fellow goalkeepers Jack Butland and Fraser Forster, but at this time Hodgson will not be adding to his outfield players as he named a squad of 24 last week. 

Hodgson said: "Obviously it’s very disappointing for Joe and Raheem to suffer injuries which will rule them out of our games against Germany and Holland.  They are important players in our squad and I wish them a speedy recovery.

"Tom has been with us on several occasions and I am welcoming him back into the fold."

Meanwhile England coach Gary Neville will be joining up with the squad later than originally planned. Neville spoke to Hodgson yesterday and they agreed he will meet with the squad at St. George’s Park on Thursday after his Valencia side suffered a third straight La Liga defeat.

The team travel to Berlin the following day to take on World Champions Germany.