As Burnley ran out 3-0 winners against West Ham did Nick Pope show why he should be in the England squad ahead of Joe Hart?
Fans invading the pitch and protesting against owners David Gold and David Sullivan stole most of the headlines as West Ham United lost 3-0 at home to Burnley in the Premier League.
However, there was also some football being played and ahead of naming his squad for upcoming international friendlies with Netherlands and Italy, England manager Gareth Southgate may have had one his big decisions made for him.
That is concerning the goalkeeper, with many thinking Southgate should drop usual number one Joe Hart after a poor season for West Ham United.
Aside from cup competitions Hart was recalled to the Hammers starting XI for the first time since a 4-0 defeat to Everton on November 29.
And the 30-year-old would hardly have convinced those doubters he still had a future for the Three Lions, looking uncomfortable throughout and directly at fault for the Clarets’ third when he failed to collect a shot from distance allowing Chris Wood to score his second.
Meanwhile, at the other end Nick Pope made two brilliant saves with his legs to deny Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic to help keep a clean-sheet at the London Stadium.
Surely Southgate can’t name Hart in his squad on Thursday (March 15) and Pope should now be further up the pecking order to take the Manchester City loanee’s place?
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