Paul Robinson says he was ‘surprised’ by Gareth Southgate’s call not to select Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope for England.
The England manager picked his usual suspects, including Jordan Pickford and Aaron Ramsdale, as well as Crystal Palace’s, Sam Johnstone.
But as former England keeper Robinson pointed out, Johnstone now has ‘real competition’ coming in at Palace following the deadline-day signing of Dean Henderson from Manchester United, as he told the Football Show on Sky Sports.
Yes, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United haven’t started the new Premier League season as they would have liked, but you can’t just go on these past few weeks, but what Nick Pope has done for over a year now.
You would think if Henderson dethrones Johnstone at Palace, then Pope will probably return to the international set-up next month.
Either way, ex-Spurs man Robinson didn’t expect Pope to be snubbed by Southgate.
England goalkeepers
“I was surprised Popey wasn’t included,” said Robinson. “I think he is a top-class goalkeeper. I think he has pushed Jordan Pickford, along with Aaron Ramsdale, all the way.
“I think the nucleus of England goalkeepers, the squad of goalkeepers they have got, is the strongest they have had for a number of years, not just Jordan Pickford, but the goalkeepers below that are challenging him.
“They are very, very good goalkeepers in their own right. You would have an issue with any of them playing. Nick Pope has started the season well again for Newcastle, bar his mistake against Brighton, I really like him. I think he is the all-round goalkeeper. His shot-stopping ability and his aerial ability, it’s better than most.
“Then you look at what Gareth said, he kind of looked at the squad, and he has done it in other positions, he has stuck with players he picked in the previous squad he got together. I think Nick will be disappointed. Then you look at Sam Johnstone coming in, he has real competition coming in at Crystal Palace.”
Nick Pope can focus on Newcastle
It’s understandable if the Newcastle fans are annoyed by Pope not getting picked, but they need to look at the positive, he is getting a rest.
As mentioned, the Magpies haven’t made a great start to the new season and, after the international break, the games are going to come in thick and fast.
Champions League football will return to St James’ Park and fans will be hoping that can spark some life into them in the Premier League.
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