Nick Pope has labelled Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier as an ‘intelligent’ player after he stated that he would play as a goalkeeper for England if it meant playing at the 2022 World Cup, as he told talkSPORT.
The Newcastle United shot-stopper backed that idea, but joked that it’s ‘not ideal’ given the competition already between England goalkeepers at the World Cup in Qatar.
Jordan Pickford is the number one for Gareth Southgate, but the Everton star has Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Newcastle’s £10 million summer signing, Nick Pope (Sky Sports), breathing down his neck.
Whilst Dier won’t be donning the gloves anytime soon, other than in training, he could start England’s opener against Iran on Monday in a back three.
Despite his strong form in Newcastle colours this season, Pope won’t start because Pickford has been the main guy for several years now.
Nonetheless, when Pope was told about Dier backing himself to play in between the sticks, this is how he reacted.
“I think he will be alright you know,” laughed Pope. “He’s an intelligent player. He would throw himself about for the cause, I feel. So, I actually feel like I wouldn’t mind if it was Eric.
“Not ideal (joking about Dier providing extra competition). He’s a top player. It shows the mentality of everyone in the squad really that it is a squad mentality. We are going to need 26 players. Whatever position that is, then like you say, it’s England at a World Cup. I’ll play up front, if need be.”
PICKFORD ENGLAND’S NUMBER ONE
Every time a major tournament comes along, Pickford seems to be questioned or there are calls for him to be dropped to the bench.
He has never put a foot wrong when donning the gloves on the international stage and he should keep his place for this tournament.
Yes, he has strong competition behind him, but that wasn’t there at the 2018 World Cup or at Euro 2020.
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