Preston ranks in the top ten districts to have produced the most England international footballers, new research shows.

According to ACME Whistles, Preston is joint seventh having bred five England stars thanks to the recent addition of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who was this week named in the Euros squad.

The former Preston North End goalie, who now plays for West Bromwich Albion, was back in the city last week training at Smart Fit Gym.

Read more: Sam Johnstone sticks to Preston roots and trains at city gym ahead of Euros

Johnstone follows in the footsteps of PNE legend Sir Tom Finney, Ronnie Clayton, Mike Summerbee and Phil Jones.

The research looked at footballers who have represented England at a major tournament.

Liverpool placed highest with 15 players, Manchester second with nine, and Sheffield third with eight.

The research also found the North West is the highest represented region with 73 to London’s 56.

The full results are available on the ACME Whistles website. 

Proud Preston. This, and many stories like it, show how the people of Preston are making a difference. Our Proud Preston section showcases all the charitable, kind, uplifting and great things about our city and the people who live here. #ProudPreston is alive and well, and there’s much to celebrate and be proud of, despite the challenging times we all face.

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What do you think of the research? Who’s your favourite Preston footballer? Let us know in the comments.