Sam Johnstone: A unanimous selection for Southgate’s England squad?

Boasting the most saves made amongst Europe’s top five leagues this season with a staggering 112, Gareth Southgate won’t have to think too hard about who starts between the sticks for England this summer.

West Brom’s number one – a graduate of Manchester United’s famous Carrington academy, has turned heads this season despite his side having the worst defensive record in the Premier League, with 56 goals conceded in 28 games.

In Sunday afternoon’s goalless draw with Newcastle, Johnstone made an important five saves, with four coming from inside the box; an unlikely star in such a depressing season for the West Midlands outfit.

The shot stopper has made his way around the Midlands during his career, including loan spells at Walsall and Aston Villa before settling at the Hawthorns in a £6.5m deal from Manchester United in 2018.

Despite averaging the most saves per game in the league with 4.1, Johnstone is let down by his defensive compatriots and has averaged two goals conceded per game so far this campaign.

Gareth Southgate’s time is running out to decide on his 23-man England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, and is spoiled for choice with the likes of Nick Pope, Dean Henderson and Jordan Pickford all in contention for a call-up.

The Three Lions boss can only choose three ‘keepers, however, and due to a lack of game time for Henderson this season; in large part playing second fiddle to David de Gea at Manchester United, Southgate is expected to go with Johnstone, Pope and Pickford for his squad.

A standout performance for the Preston-born goalkeeper this season came at the Etihad Stadium, rescuing a point for his side after two stunning saves from point-blank range in added time.

Man City’s xG (expected goals) of 2.98 in that game was held to just one by Albion’s saviour, further emphasising the level of expectation he’s been exceeding in the Premier League this season.

Johnstone told Sky Sports earlier this year about the importance of picking yourself back up in the face of adversity in the Baggies’ bid for Premier League survival.

“It’s tough to be losing every week and you have to pick yourselves up and get back on the training pitch on the Monday, Tuesday and all week to go again the week after, knowing it’s not going to be easy again. The manager has that drive in him with his staff and that comes down to the lads, we have to fight every game day and hopefully the luck will turn our way.”

If West Brom are to follow the same path as they have been doing throughout the season, relegation back to the Championship looks doubtless and Johnstone can expect offers from top-flight clubs in the summer.

The Baggies’ number one has recorded the most PSxG (post shot expected goals) in the Premier League this season, which is based on how likely the ‘keeper is to save the shot. Statistically the best shot stopper in the league with a PSxG of 55.8, performing beyond expectation seems to be Johnstone’s forte.

While his starting spot between the sticks for England this summer may not be a given just yet, the former Manchester United man is putting himself in the best position possible to steal the title from Jordan Pickford or Nick Pope’s grasp.

If I’m Southgate, this isn’t a decision I’ll lose sleep over.