Danny Mills has claimed that Newcastle United goalkeeper, Nick Pope, can’t play out from the back like Everton’s Jordan Pickford, as he believes he showcased during England’s defeat to Italy.
The former England defender claimed that Newcastle’s £10 million summer signing (Sky Sports) was ‘shown up’, and whilst the thinks he is a ‘fantastic’ shot-stopper, Mills believes that Pope has ‘issues’ playing out from the back.
Everton’s number one has been the main guy for England for many years now, and one standout to his game has been his distribution.
For Gareth Southgate’s latest squad, he was left out because of injury, with Pope starting the morale-sapping UEFA Nations League defeat to Italy instead.
In truth, Pope didn’t do much wrong in his absence, but given all the negative noise around the Three Lions, not many players are being seen in a negative light.
It will be interesting to see if Southgate sticks with Pope ahead of Monday night’s game against Germany, as Mills shared his thoughts on the Newcastle star’s ability to play out from the back, as he told talkSPORT.
“There has always been issues about his kicking ability and starting from the back,” said Mills. “That was shown up against Italy.
“I think he’s a fantastic shot-stopper. But if you want to start pinging out balls from the back, and I am talking quality balls like Pickford and Ederson does, then he can’t do that.
“He’s a good shot-stopper, but he’s not really great at playing out from the back.”
PICKFORD WILL REMAIN ENGLAND’S NUMBER ONE
For the past 18 months, on the domestic stage, Pickford has been outstanding for Everton, including playing a key part in his side surviving relegation last season.
And prior to his injury, he showcased that he is still at his best and, without a doubt, England’s number one heading towards the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
At the 2018 World Cup, UEFA Nations Leagues and Euro 2020, Pickford showcased his worth and he has been outstanding for his country.
Whilst the likes of Pope and Aaron Ramsdale are knocking on the door behind him, it’s probably not enough to knock him off his perch just yet.
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