Speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast, Ian Wright has been discussing England’s performance against Germany and Nick Pope.
The Newcastle United goalkeeper got the nod for the second game in a row for the Three Lions on Monday night, but it’s fair to say he didn’t have the best of games.
He conceded three goals, made a glaring mistake, and perhaps most pertinently, looked very uncomfortable with the ball at his feet.
Wright was far from impressed by Pope’s distribution, stating that he’s not good with the ball on the floor.
Wright critiques Pope
The pundit gave his view on the goalie.
“You don’t want your goalkeeper, I remember seeing Joe Hart in the Euros and your goalkeeper can’t be like that. You want your goalie relaxed,” Wright said.
“When the ball went back to him early doors he looked very nervous, he’s not good on the floor. Not only is he someone people would target if he was in goal, there was that shot, you have to push it around.”
No chance of starting
Pope was trusted to play against both Germany and Italy, but it’s fair to say he’s now blown his chance of being England’s number one at the World Cup.
His mistakes against Germany are exactly the type of thing that England can’t afford to happen at a major international tournament, and with Jordan Pickford already being the established first-choice, it’s hard to imagine Pope getting a sniff in Qatar.
Even if Pickford picks up another injury, we now have to imagine that either Aaron Ramsdale or Dean Henderson would now be ahead of Pope in the pecking order.
Nevermind a place in the starting XI, Pope’s spot in the squad may even be in jeopardy after Monday’s showing.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
