England manager Gareth Southgate has sent a first senior team invitation to young goalkeeper Angus Gunn after Jack Butland withdrew from the squad due to injury ahead of the friendly against Brazil on Tuesday.
What do we know about Angus Gunn?
Angus is a 21-year old English goalkeeper and son of Norwich City fan’s legendary goalkeeper Bryan Gunn who made 390 appearances for the Carrow Road club. Angus was born in Norwich and joined his hometown club as a kid before moving to Manchester City in 2011.
In the summer of 2016, the youngster looked like he was on his way to a championship side on loan until Pep Guardiola decided to include him in his pre-season preparations. Gunn went on to play an half in each of City’s matches against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund and saved three penalties against the latter. Pep eventually decided he was good enough and kept him as third choice for the 2016/2017 season.
Angus Gunn was highly regarded as he worked up through the youth ranks at City. Pep particularly having interest in the youngster due to his ability to keep the ball at his feet and his short passing style.
“Sometimes it can get a bit nervy when the opposition team comes close to our box,” Gunn told ManCity.com. “But that’s the sort of pressure the coaches and manager want us to be under and want us to get through because then that gives us a better chance of attacking at the other end.”
Gunn made it to the bench for City five times last season and decided to move on loan to Norwich to gain first team opportunities. He has made all 19 of his professional career at Norwich this season, including starting in all of Norwich’s 16 championship games this season.
Bryan Gunn, born in Scotland, was capped six times by Scotland but Angus who was born in Norwich has been capped at England U-21 level 7 times – his first coming under the management of Gareth Southgate.
Gunn had a fantastic game in the September 2016 win against Norway, making three great saves to earn a deserved clean sheet. Gareth Southgate praised the youngster for his performance and his passing ability.
“Those saves he made at that moment in the game were crucial. I’m really pleased for him. He’s a calm lad, uses the ball well with his feet and that would have been a great experience for him and I hope it has given him a lot of confidence.”
Angus Gunn was deputy to Jordan Pickford in this summer’s U-21 European Championship but was promoted to first choice after Pickford moved up to the senior team. Gunn will now be linking up with Pickford and Joe Hart – who he trained with at City.
Norwich’s head coach Daniel Farke this summer:
“Angus is very highly-rated and a really talented goalkeeper. He’s brilliant with his feet as well as his hands and is tall too. We’re happy to have him here for the next season and are thankful to Manchester City for helping us with this deal. I’m looking forward to working with such a great talent.”
