England coach Fabio Capello has given a shock call-up to former Norwich City goalkeeper Joe Lewis ahead of the friendlies against the United States and Trinidad & Tobago. The 20-year-old has been added to the party because of fitness concerns over Chris Kirkland, who has a back injury, while David James has only recently returned from a calf injury.
England coach Fabio Capello has given a shock call-up to former Norwich City goalkeeper Joe Lewis ahead of the friendlies against the United States and Trinidad & Tobago.
The 20-year-old has been added to the party because of fitness concerns over Chris Kirkland, who has a back injury, while David James has only recently returned from a calf injury.
Lewis had only made his debut for the Under-21 side as a substitute for Hart in 2-0 the win over Wales as recently as May 15.
But the Peterborough goalkeeper, who was signed from the Canaries for a club record £400,000 in the January transfer window, was overjoyed by Capello's decision to promote him to the full squad.
“I am over the moon and thrilled with the call-up - it came out of the blue and I am enjoying every minute of it,” Lewis said.
“I trained with the squad on Saturday morning and it was superb to be involved with the best players in the country.
“There's a second training session at 5pm on Saturday and it is a fantastic experience for me.
“I managed to make a couple of good saves, which was a great feeling, especially from Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard. It is a great end to a fantastic season.”
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