The Local View on Two England Hopefuls

Last updated : 16 February 2019 By Three Lions

Tom Heaton and Sean Longstaff are impressing for Burnley and Newcastle United respectively in the Premier League and are both are being tipped for England calls of one sort or another when squads are announced at both senior and Under-21 level next month.

Goalkeeper Heaton made his return to the Burnley side just before the end of 2018 and his comeback has coincided with a seven-game unbeaten run in the top-flight.

An injury blow saw Heaton miss out on World Cup 2018, teammate Nick Pope travelling to Russia instead, but with Jordan Pickford going through a difficult patch at Everton  it could mean a recall from Gareth Southgate for the 32-year-old for the opening Euro 2020 qualifiers.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Burnley midfielder Jack Cork said: "If they are picking a squad on form then there aren't many English goalkeepers who are doing better at the minute."

And Newcastle midfielder Longstaff's role in an upturn in form on Tyneside has seen him tipped for at least a first call-up to the Under-21's.

That's according to The Northern Echo which says that England scouts have been greatly impressed with the way the 21-year-old has kept a cool head since being given his opportunity by Rafael Benitez.