World Cup error will make Lammens stronger - Heaton

What the report says

BBC Sport reported that Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton has backed team-mate Senne Lammens to recover from a costly error for Belgium at the World Cup, saying the experience could ultimately strengthen him. The comments came in Helsinki after United’s opening pre-season defeat by Wrexham, according to the report published on 19 July 2026.

Lammens, 24, had been Belgium’s reserve goalkeeper behind Thibaut Courtois during the tournament before Courtois was injured late in the quarter-final against Spain. After coming on, Lammens spilled a shot from Pau Cubarsi, allowing Mikel Merino to score the decisive goal in Spain’s 2-1 win. BBC Sport said Lammens was visibly upset after the match and later faced criticism in Belgium.

Heaton said he had spoken with Lammens and described the incident as part of the demands of goalkeeping, where mistakes are often immediately punished. He expressed confidence in Lammens’ mentality and personality, pointing to how the younger goalkeeper handled his arrival at Manchester United last season after joining from Royal Antwerp for £18.1m.

The report said Lammens is on a three-week break and is expected back in training in early August, which could make him available for United’s friendly against Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August. BBC Sport added that confidence in him remains strong at United, where Karl Darlow has been signed as back-up and Heaton, now 40, has extended his playing deal despite not making a senior competitive appearance since February 2023.