Nick Pope was praised for his work in England training over the international break, with Aaron Ramsdale, Dean Henderson and goalkeeping coach, Martyn Margetson praising the Newcastle United man.
The England trio lauded Pope’s ‘great positioning’ and his ‘brilliant save’ during a training drill involving Ramsdale and Henderson, as posted by England’s official YouTube account.
With Jordan Pickford out injured, it opened the door for someone to earn some much-needed minutes in the colours of the Three Lions, with Gareth Southgate opting to pick Pope instead of Arsenal’s number one.
Last Friday, England travelled to Italy to suffer another defeat and relegation from their UEFA Nations League Group, with Pope, like many of his teammates, having an indifferent game.
But it wasn’t too much worry about for Pope because not many players left Milan in a positive light, however, England’s 3-3 draw against Germany on Monday night was one to worry about for Pope.
Nonetheless, putting that negativity aside, things have looked positive for Newcastle’s number one in between the sticks in training, as Ramsdale, Henderson and his national goalkeeping coach backed.
“Great position Popey,” Ramsdale told Newcastle’s summer signing after he saved a shot that was fired at him from an angle in training.
And then another save, lowdown to Pope’s right was praised by Henderson, Ramsdale and goalkeeping coach Margetson.
“Oooh, what a save,” said Henderson. “Popey what a second save,” both Ramsdale and Henderson agreed.
Margetson added: “Brilliant save. A clear save choice. Not bothered if you are going with your hand or your foot, then I don’t think you make the save, Nick. You have to be clear, it’s one or the other. Both doesn’t work.”
A LEARNING CURVE FOR POPE
That Germany game would have been a tough one for Pope, but a game that should make him a better player down the line.
At Burnley, his role was very different to what Eddie Howe is now asking of him at Newcastle and what is expected of him when he is in between the sticks at England.
That ability to increase his quality of playing out from the back will only grow because he is now doing more of it at St James’ Park.
But that still shouldn’t hide from his late error which allowed Kai Havertez to equalise at Wembley because that’s usually bread and butter for Pope.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
