It looks like Kieran Trippier may not be the only Newcastle United player representing England later this month.
With Jordan Pickford ruled out after picking up a thigh injury in the Merseyside derby earlier this month, Nick Pope’s chances of making a rare appearance for his country have shot up.
England face Italy – a repeat of the EURO final – at the San Siro in the UEFA Nations League on Friday 23rd September, followed by another Nations League clash with Germany on Monday 26th.
As Pickford will be missing, it seems Pope and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale are next in line. Ramsdale started in our last international encounter back in June, but he struggled badly in that shocking 4-0 defeat to Hungary.
Southgate could well keep faith in the former Bournemouth stopper in Pickford’s absence, however Pope’s superb early season form could see him handed a chance against Italy or Germany and just his second England appearance over the past 18 months.
Our summer signing has not only made more saves than any other Premier League goalkeeper so far this term, but also kept the join most clean sheets (3) six games into the new season.
Although limited with the ball at his feet, he’s been a safe pair of hands when selected by Southgate, with his England record standing at eight wins, seven clean sheets and only ONE goal conceded in his eight appearances for the Three Lions.
All things considered, I’d expect to see him start at least one of England’s upcoming games!
So putting a question mark after a statement turns a lie into a question.
BykerBill(Quote)