Goalie Garratt follows in Joe Hart’s footsteps
Saturday 30th April 2011, 11:29AM BST.
A Shropshire teenager could be set to follow in the footsteps of Joe Hart after earning a call up to the England under-17 squad for the European Championships.
Goalkeeper Ben Garratt, from Market Drayton, has been included in John Peacock’s 18-strong squad for the tournament which begins next week in Serbia as England bid to retain the trophy they won in 2010.
And Garratt, 17, who has been on the books at Crewe Alexandra since he was six, will hope to add to his three caps when England kick off their campaign against France on Tuesday.
His dad David said: “He has three caps and travels as one of two goalkeepers. I’m not sure whether he is first choice or not, we shall have to see, but it is a great experience for him.
“He has been away with England before to the qualifying tournament in Georgia and Portugal and hopefully they will go all the way to the final now.”
Holders England face Denmark and the hosts after Franc, needing a top two finish to reach the knockout stages.
And a top three finish in the group secures a passage to this summer’s under-17 World Cup in Mexico.
“To play in a World Cup would be fantastic for Ben,” said Garratt senior.
“He has a pro contract at Crewe and is making progress. He’s been on the bench for the first team this season.”
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