Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli called up to England squad
Written by News on 04/09/2018
Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has been called up to the England squad for the first time.
The 26-year-old joins Gareth Southgate’s squad for their UEFA Nations League opener against Spain on Saturday and the friendly against Switzerland three days later.
Despite the presence of Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and Alex McCarthy in the squad already, Southgate has decided to add a fourth goalkeeper to his ranks.
Bettinelli’s first call-up marks the latest step in an incredible transformation for a player that spent the first half of last season on the Fulham bench in the Sky Bet Championship.
Sky Sports understands that Bettinelli received the call on Tuesday morning before heading north to St George’s Park to join up with the England squad.
Bettinelli, who came through Fulham’s youth system, made one appearance for England at U21 level in 2015.
After waiting until December for his first start of Fulham’s previous campaign, Bettinelli excelled as Slavisa Jokanovic’s side earned promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
Despite his impressive performances, Fulham signed two goalkeepers – Fabri and Sergio Rico – during the summer transfer window.
With his starting place at Fulham under threat, Bettinelli turned down a move to West Ham and was also linked with a move to west London neighbours Chelsea.
After missing Fulham’s first two games of the season – defeats to Crystal Palace and Tottenham – Bettinelli returned to the starting line-up for the win over Burnley and the draw with Brighton.
Southgate, whose England side will play for the first time since reaching the semi-finals at the World Cup, will be without midfielders Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana after the pair withdrew due to injuries.
(c) Sky News 2018: Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli called up to England squad
