Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Jason Steele will be part of the England camp as Thomas Tuchel’s side face Argentina for a place in the World Cup final.
The semi-final kicks off at 8pm BST on Wednesday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Spain await the winners after beating France 2-0 in the other last-four tie on Tuesday.
Steele has worked with England throughout the tournament as a training goalkeeper. He supports the main goalkeeping group of Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson and James Trafford but is not registered in Tuchel’s 26-man playing squad.
The 35-year-old first joined the senior England setup in March before being invited to travel to North America for the preparation camp and tournament.
The Football Association confirmed before the competition that Steele would remain with the group as a training goalkeeper throughout England’s campaign.
Steele continues supporting role with England
England secured their semi-final place with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway on Saturday. Jude Bellingham scored twice, including the winning goal early in extra time.
Argentina also required extra time in their quarter-final before beating Switzerland 3-1 in Kansas City.
Steele has not been available for selection during the competition, but his inclusion has allowed England’s three registered goalkeepers to complete more detailed training sessions.
Tuchel previously thanked both Steele and Brighton for supporting the arrangement. The goalkeeper’s involvement also continues Albion’s presence at the tournament after the club sent a sizeable international contingent to North America.
As Read Brighton reported before the World Cup, Steele travelled in a different capacity to the club’s selected internationals, joining England’s goalkeeping operation rather than the official playing squad.
Victory over Argentina would take England into their first men’s World Cup final since winning the tournament in 1966. It would also keep Steele with the national team through Sunday’s final against Spain.
