Alex McCarthy is determined to stake his claim as an England regular

Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is one of four goalkeepers called up to the England squad ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League match against Spain on Saturday.

It’s McCarthy’s third call-up to the national side, a just reward for his fine form for Southampton. However, he is yet to add to his three England U21 caps as a senior international.

McCarthy has plenty of competition surrounding him at St. George’s Park, given England’s World Cup hero Jordan Pickford, Stoke City’s Jack Butland and Fulham’s Marcus Bettinelli are also in the squad.

But Southampton’s number one is looking to seize his opportunity as a viable candidate as an England regular.

“I’ve been called up for a reason and there’s now four of us here, but it’s a time for me to go out there and prove what I can do,” McCarthy said to reporters at the England training camp.

“We’re away for seven or eight days, so it’s enough time to sort of show him what I can do. And at the end of the day, I want to give him a decision to make. Obviously it’s an unbelievable feeling to be back here.

“I’ve been in two squads before but that was quite a while ago, so obviously after the World Cup and everything that has gone on it’s been a positive for English football. It’s nice to be back involved and a part of it.”

“We have had a positive start to the season (at Southampton) and to get the call-up was the cherry on the top.

“Obviously it will be a very proud moment for me and my family. When you are growing up as a kid, all you want to do is play football and represent your country.

”If I do get my chance, I know I will take it. I will be overwhelmed.”