Pundit sends message to West Brom man after international disappointment

West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone will have to take his withdrawal from England’s squad for this month’s international break “on the chin”, Kevin Phillips has said.

Johnstone had initially been left out of the squad for the Three Lions’ friendlies with Switzerland and the Ivory Coast, but was then called up after Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale was forced to pull out.

However, the Baggies stopper was unable to add to the three caps he has so far won for his country at senior international level, after he himself had to withdraw from the squad.

That will no doubt be a blow for Johnstone, who will have been looking to stake a claim for a place in this year’s World Cup squad.

Now though, Phillips believes that is something the 29-year-old must move on from quickly, with the former England international telling West Brom News: “It’s tough. It’s hard enough to get in the England squad full stop, plying your trade in the Championship, you’ve got to really stand out.

“Unfortunately, at the minute, West Brom results haven’t been brilliant so it’s been difficult for Sam.

“He has to take it on the chin, he’ll be disappointed and now he has to really concentrate on his club football and get some clean sheets so that West Brom can have a real good run at those playoffs.

“All he can do is perform for his club side and hope Gareth Southgate will get him back in there at some point.”

Following that international disappointment, Johnstone will be looking to return to action when West Brom resume their campaign after the international break, with a trip to Birmingham City on Saturday.

The Verdict

This does seem like a fair assessment of the situation from Phillips in all honesty.

Missing out on that opportunity to impress at international