Freddie Woodman on his Newcastle future and England hopes after '˜difficult' few months

The Newcastle United goalkeeper is in Central America with England’s Under-19s ahead of this summer’s European Championships in Germany.

Aidy Boothroyd’s side are playing a double header against Mexico.

Woodman hasn’t played a competitive game since last October.

The 19-year-old’s loan at Crawley Town was cancelled after No 1 Tim Krul suffered a season-ending injury.

And he spent the latter part the season on the bench after Rob Elliot, like Krul, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

Woodman, under contract for another year, could only watch in frustration as Newcastle battled to stay in the Premier League.

“It’s been a difficult time for the club and a difficult time for myself,” said Woodman.

“I haven’t got as much game time as I’d have liked this season, and it’s something I’ll have to look at and see if I can get out on loan.

“It’s a tough time, but I’m sure the club will bounce back.”

Woodman, with club-mate Adam Armstrong in Mexico, is happy to forgo a summer holiday to play for his country.

The Croydon-born player tomorrow hopes to start the first of England’s two friendlies at Centro de Alto Rendimiento, outside Mexico City.

“We’ve got a friendly in Mexico, which I’m looking forward to to get some game time,” said Woodman, son of ex-United goalkeeping coach Andy.

“Hopefully then, if it all goes well there, we’ve got the Euro Championships.

“It’s a busy summer, but it’s the best for me, playing for football.

“It’s massive. Playing for your country, at any level, is really big. I’ve played 33 games now and play every game as if it’s my first.

“I enjoy every moment, and it’s a great team that I’m in.

“It’s a great bunch of lads and a great team.

“It’s enjoyable going and spending a month with them and playing football with the lads we’ve got.”

England – who will face Holland, Croatia and France in the group stage of the Euros – play Mexico a second time on Monday. Woodman and Armstrong were in the England side that won the European Under-17 Championships two years ago.