Jason Steele of Brighton And Hove Albion. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)placeholder image
Jason Steele of Brighton And Hove Albion. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Jason Steele revealed he will have to put his holiday plans on hold after a surprise call-up to the England national team.
The 35-year-old was named in Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man-squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley Stadium.
His selection came as a shock to many including Steele himself, who shared after the Seagulls’ 2-1 victory over Liverpool at the AMEX Stadium on Saturday that he had planned to enjoy the international break away.
He said: “My wife will look after all of that, don't worry about that. She'll look after it. [There is] no money in the world I could be bothered about to have the opportunity to go.”
The keeper shared the pride of his father and the rest of his family at his remarkable achievement.
“He was very proud,” Steele said. “He's been part of it – him and my mum and my wife have been really instrumental in my whole career.
“They've celebrated some amazing times, picked me up when I was low, and that’s what it's all about - life.”
He was also congratulated by his teammates after the news became official – a moment that the 35-year-old cherished above all.
He said: “I came into the meeting yesterday and my teammates gave me a big round of applause. That means more to me than anything. I think that shows what you mean to people - very emotional.
“That, to me, is more than anything I could ever achieve in football. I think being a proper good fella and a good person is way more important than anything else, and I think that showed.”
Steele noted the role that the Seagulls have played in getting him to this point but stressed the importance of his own hard work.
He said: “I'm very thankful for what this football club has given me but at the same time, I've worked hard myself. I think I have to give myself a little bit of credit as well.
“I owe a lot to this football club, a lot to the chairman, a lot to the previous managers. I’ll always thank them from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity they've given me.
“But you have to take the opportunities. I think sometimes you have to give yourself a little bit of credit as well.”
Steele confirmed he had received numerous messages of congratulations – including from former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi who gave the goalkeeper an extended run in the team.
He said: “I think there's two people that helped shape a lot of my career in Ben Roberts (former Brighton goalkeeping coach) and in Roberto. I spoke to them both yesterday - special people, special humans.
“They recognise a lot of things that not many people do recognise in a footballer and a man. I'll cherish them forever.”
Steele will be vying for the fourth goalkeeping spot in Tuchel’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
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