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Southampton: Saints keeper McCarthy receives England call-up

By Marc Walker

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Alex McCarthy of Southampton celebrates his side's first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on February 24, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Alex McCarthy of Southampton celebrates his side's first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on February 24, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has received a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad ahead of clashes with Spain and Switzerland.

After some highly impressive form over the last eight months, the Saints number one replaces injured Burnley’s Nick Pope who misses out through long-term injury.

There had been calls from Saints fans for McCarthy to be included in the England travelling party to the World Cup in Russia after they had witnessed him produce some stunning performances.

Since claiming a starting spot over Fraser Forster back in December, the 28-year-old has eight clean sheet to his name in 26 appearances in all competitions.

His form in 2017/18 was a high point in an otherwise troubling campaign for his team and he will now get the chance to showcase his abilities on the international stage.

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Jack Cork of Burnley scores a goal that is later disallowed during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Burnley FC at St Mary’s Stadium on August 12, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Jack Cork of Burnley scores a goal that is later disallowed during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Burnley FC at St Mary’s Stadium on August 12, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

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McCarthy joins fellow keepers Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland in Southgate’s 23-man group, and it was Pickford who impressed at the World Cup as England advanced to the semi-final stage.

A competitive games in the new UEFA Nations League comes against Spain on Saturday 8th September before a friendly with Switzerland three days later.

McCarthy will be hungry to take his chances with this call-up and gain his first full cap for his country after three England U21s appearances earlier in his career.

After struggling to settle and get regular first-team football before now and spells with clubs such as Reading, QPR and Crystal Palace, it seems like he has found the ideal place at St Mary’s where he can perform.

The club also took action this summer to provide some quality competition for McCarthy with the signing of England youth international Angus Gunn for around £15m from Manchester City.

McCarthy has played the first three Premier League games of the season for Mark Hughes’ side, whilst Angus Gunn put in a solid performance himself in the Carabao Cup win over Brighton on Tuesday.

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