Newcastle United player reveals contact with Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate is keeping a close eye on the progress Freddie Woodman is making at loan club Swansea City.
Freddie Woodman.Freddie Woodman.
Freddie Woodman.

Southgate came up through the ranks at Crystal Palace alongside Woodman’s father Andy – and the England manager is the Newcastle United goalkeeper’s godfather.

"I think they said whoever has a kid first, the other would be godfather – and then I was born," Woodman told BBC Sport Wales. "I’ve got a few England shirts he gave me for birthdays growing up, but I haven't had a present for a few years. As you get older you get a WhatsApp instead."

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Southgate messaged Woodman when he joined Championship club Swansea on a season-long loan in the summer.

"He was delighted, like everyone," said Woodman. "I don't speak to him as much these days, but I’d see him when I was away with England Under-21s. It was strictly professional – he helped me with my game.”