According to The Athletic, Sam Johnstone, England’s backup goalkeeper, will be sidelined for Euro 2024 following surgery on Wednesday morning.
This news comes as a surprise to head coach Gareth Southgate, as Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper becomes England’s first injury setback of the campaign.
Johnstone was expected to join Jordan Pickford for the tournament but will now miss out due to his surgery. His absence is a blow to Southgate’s plans, considering his impressive performances for Crystal Palace throughout the season, which almost secured him a spot in England’s final squad for the summer competition.
England is currently grappling with several injuries, with Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker, and Johnstone all withdrawing from Tuesday’s friendly against Belgium. The trio left the England camp on Sunday due to their respective injuries.
Johnstone’s injury occurred during an England training session on Sunday when he accidentally injured his elbow while attempting to save a shot. As a result, the 31-year-old goalkeeper will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
