JASON STEELE had to cancel a family holiday after his shock England call-up.
The Brighton back-up was one of five keepers in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for friendlies with Uruguay and Japan.
Steele, 35, did not speak to the England boss about his selection – but could go to the World Cup as a ‘training goalkeeper’ like Tom Heaton was at Euro 2024.
It was the first time Steele had even been in the provisional squad — a group of players put on standby a week before the announcement — let alone be part of a senior camp.
Given that, the ex-Blackburn keeper was planning to go away with family this week.
He said: “Did I have a holiday booked? I might have, yeah…
“My wife will look after all of that. Don’t worry about that. No money in the world could have stopped me going.”
On top of Steele’s quality, which saw him made first choice at Brighton ahead of Robert Sanchez under former boss Roberto De Zerbi, Tuchel has also picked him for his character and mentality.
Steele was ready to quit football in 2018 during a horror spell at Sunderland.
But he battled on — and Brighton insiders now say he epitomises their “we before me” motto, which is plastered on the wall at their Sussex base.
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Team-mates pushed him towards the fans after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool and Steele said: “I came into the team meeting on Friday and my team-mates gave me a round of applause. That means more to me than anything. Very emotional.”
Steele’s call-up has come later than planned, having played for teams throughout England’s youth system.
He added: “It was always my dream to represent my country.
“I’m fortunate to have done it from when I was 15 until 21.
“That’s usually the preparing you for those senior occasions. It’s come a little bit later than what we would have wanted!
“It’s a nice journey – a run of perseverance, effort, sacrifice.
“At 35, I still enjoy throwing myself on the ground every single day and giving my all for this football club. And, ultimately, it pays off.”
