Tom Heaton: Aston Villa's "magnificent" Tyrone Mings deserves his England call-up

The duo have both been included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo.

Centre-back Mings was handed his first-ever call-up last week after just three appearances in the Premier League with Villa, following a £20million switch from Bournemouth.

But Heaton, an £8million summer signing from Burnley, believes it should come as no surprise.

He said: “I have been massively impressed with Tyrone, seeing him at close quarters.

“I didn’t know too much about him when I came to the club, other than he came for a big fee.

“However, I have to say that day-in, day-out he has been magnificent. There are a lot good centre halves in the Premier League and I could name seven or eight English ones that are knocking on the door – but I think he warrants his chance.

“To be honest, he has been absolutely outstanding.”

Heaton, no stranger to the England set-up having been capped three times since first being called up in 2015, is ready to help his team-mate with any advice he needs.

“We have had a few discussions about it,” he said. “He is obviously over the moon and rightly so, it is a big moment for anyone so I'm absolutely delighted for him.

“I've said to him if he needs any info on the week or anything he needs to bring. It is always difficult on your first trip on what to bring along or what is going on, so I've told him to give me a bell.”

On a personal level, Heaton is eager to begin challenging Jordan Pickford for the No.1 jersey which at one point two years ago looked set to be his, before a shoulder injury ruled him out of the World Cup.

“In the summer of 2017 I was starting for England against France,” he said. “Unfortunately I then had the injury.

“It is part and parcel of football. I certainly feel better and stronger for that experience.

“It was tough at times, but I am back there now. I signed for Villa and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far. I am looking to now make an impact on the England set-up.”