Tommy Setford has been named in the England men’s under-19 squad for the European championship.
The Arsenal goalkeeper was Will Antwi’s first choice during the qualification campaign. He featured in four games, kept three clean sheets, and conceded once.
He is expected to play a key role for the young Lions as they seek to win the competition for the first time since 2022.
Setford was born and raised in the Netherlands but qualifies to represent England through his father.
He started his international career with their U16s and has featured for the U17s and U18s.
He was also in the U20s matchday squad for the international friendlies against Sweden and Ireland last June.
Setford joined Arsenal from Dutch giants Ajax last summer as a member of the club’s academy.
Aaron Ramsdale’s injury hastened his involvement with the first team. He was named in the matchday squad for the Premier League home game against Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, he picked up an injury that prevented him from making his debut against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round.
He eventually debuted against Preston North End last October in the competition’s fifth round and kept a clean sheet in the fixture.
He was on the bench for 12 Champions League group games. He only missed out in the league phase fixtures against Atalanta and Paris Saint-Germain.
Setford was also in the matchday squad for the two league games against Bournemouth.
The England youth international has now been rewarded with a permanent place in the first team, joining fellow youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.
He currently has the number 36 jersey but could be allocated a new number next season.
The talented goalkeeper will be hoping to triumph with England at the U19 Euros and feature in the first team’s pre-season games.
Stats from transfermarkt.com
