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Johnstone: 'I got emotional'

Sam England Romania

Sam Johnstone says hearing the national anthem moments before making his England debut made him “emotional”.

The Baggies No.1 earned his first Three Lions cap in Sunday’s 1-0 UEFA EURO 2020 warm-up win over Romania at the Riverside Stadium, producing a number of eye-catching saves throughout the 90 minutes. 

And the 28-year-old, who recently collected a trio of Albion accolades including the Stanley Black & Decker Players’ Player of the Year, Ideal Heating Supporters’ Player of the Year and The Albion Foundation’s PFA Community Champion Award, was understandably delighted to keep a clean sheet on the day he fulfilled a childhood dream.

Sam said: “It’s such a proud moment.

“I’m so happy to have secured a clean sheet on my debut.

“I got quite emotional when I heard the national anthem and everyone was singing it.

“It was a proud moment for myself, for my family and for everyone who has been with me on this journey since I was about ten years old.

“I’m so pleased we got the win and the clean sheet.

“Thankfully the moment came in the second half where I was able to make the save and it helped me to the clean sheet.

“That save tops off a good day. I just tried my best to play my own game and give it my all.

“It’s something you dream of as a kid, to play for England. It’s happened and nobody can take that away from me now.

“I think it’s great to go into the tournament with a cap under my belt because this is something new to me.

“I’m really happy.”

  • Sam Johnstone