Southampton: McCarthy determined to add to England options
By Marc Walker
Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is looking to give England manager Gareth Southgate decisions to make ahead of two upcoming international games.
The 28-year-old received a call up ahead of a clash with Spain in the UEFA Nations League and a friendly with Switzerland as a reward for his excellent form for Southampton in the nine months.
It won’t be straightforward for him to claim his first cap for his country though, with other options such as Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland making the goalkeeper position one of the most competitive in England’s squad.
The determination from the Saints number 1 to seize his opportunity is clear though and, speaking to the Independent, he said:
"“Obviously I’ve been called up for a reason and there’s now four of us here, but it’s a time for me to go out there and prove what I can do.“We’re away for seven or eight days, so it’s enough time to show him what I can do. And at the the end of the day, I want to give him (Southgate) a decision to make.It will be a very proud moment for me and my family. When you are growing up as a kid, all you want to do is play football and represent your country. If I do get my chance, I know I will take it. I will be overwhelmed.”"
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Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli has also been added to the squad for the next two weeks and provided further competition for places, but McCarthy is used to that sort of environment after being at St Mary’s.
After claiming a starting role over Fraser Forster in December, he has had to contend with England U21 international Angus Gunn pushing him hard since he joined Saints this summer for around £10m.
Opportunities are likely to come in international friendlies rather than competitive games for fringe players in Southgate’s squad, meaning that Tuesday’s game against Switzerland could be where McCarthy gains his first cap.
He will certainly deserve it, having produced many vital displays in the 2017/18 season to help save Southampton from Premier League relegation.
The new atmosphere around the England team since the World Cup could be an environment to help take McCarthy’s game on even more, and Southgate’s willingness to look at players from all levels will give him chances to be included for the long-term.
A further international break comes in October too, so more opportunities could be presented to him if he continues to impress at club level.