Red-hot Heaton has message for Big Sam

Sam Allardyce will select his first England squad in a month’s time and goalkeeper Tom Heaton has good news for the new boss, declaring: “I’m the best I’ve ever been.”

The Burnley stopper made his Three Lions debut against Australia in May and was included in the 23-man party for Euro 2016.

Aged 30, Heaton was the fourth-eldest member of the England squad, just a few months the junior of Wayne Rooney, James Milner and Gary Cahill.

But Heaton, who will captain newly-promoted Burnley next term, has a clear message for Allardyce, should he have plans to clear out the old guard.

Tom Heaton was included in England’s squad for Euro 2016. (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

“As I stand here now I think I’m the best I have ever been,” said the 30-year-old, an ever-present for Burnley in each of the last three seasons.

“I’m always looking at things to improve on, that hasn’t changed, and I’m hungrier than ever, you get a taste of it and you just want more.

“If you rest on what you’ve done, you’ll go backwards.

“I feel great at the minute, having turned 30, I’m in a good place and I’ll keep working hard.”