Burnley defender, Michael Keane has been called up to Gareth Southgate’s senior England side after Stoke’s Glen Johnson was forced to withdraw from the squad through injury.
There was a mixed reaction when the former Liverpool and Chelsea defender was named in the Three Lions squad, for the first time since 2014, above the likes of Keane, Calum Chambers and arguably Bournemouth’s Adam Smith.
The former Man United youngster has played every minute in the Premier League for the Clarets so far this season and bagged his first top flight goal in their 2-0 win over Watford.
The 23-year-old, who made 16 appearances for Southgate’s U21 squad, joins fellow Burnley man Tom Heaton in the 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia.
The news has been met with praise from experts a fans alike, with former Man United and England defender, Phil Neville, leading the congratulations…
https://twitter.com/fizzer18/status/783223657996791808
As well as former players, journalists also stated that Keane deserved his chance…
Injury to Glen Johnson means a first – & fully deserved – call-up for Burnley's Michael Keane. Southgate knows him well from Under-21 level
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) October 4, 2016
Michael Keane called into England squad in place of the injured Glen Johnson. Deserved call-up.
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) October 4, 2016
Whilst fans were also keen to praise the defender…
Michael Keane in England squad is well deserved good player
— Tom Bury (@tombury89) October 4, 2016
Michael Keane and Tom heaton in the England squad, never thought I'd see 2 Burnley players representing my country, amazing #twitterclarets
— chris (@chrisburnley35) October 4, 2016
Delighted for Michael Keane, great player #ENG
— Tommy Smallridge (@Smallridge12) October 4, 2016