Not too many Newcastle United players emerged from the Champions League draw with AC Milan with their reputation enhanced.
While the result was not a particularly bad one and gets an early point on the board in what is generally considered the dreaded Champions League ‘Group of Death’ alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, it was hardly a vintage night for Eddie Howe’s side.
Still, there was one man in particular who stood out.
Nick Pope has been praised by both teammates and his manager after he made a number of key saves inside the San Siro, keeping a clean sheet as Newcastle got off the mark.
Now, he’s being tipped for England.
Micah Richards says Nick Pope could replace Jordan Pickford for England – on one condition
Indeed, pundit Micah Richards is of the belief Pope may well replace Jordan Pickford as the England No.1 were Everton to be relegated this season ahead of Euro 2024.
“He will be number one in the Euros at the end of the season,” Richards told the Rest is Football Podcast.
“Pope will be the number one. 100%.
“If Everton go down and he loses confidence, he [Pickford] could [lose his place].”
Pope is improving but Pickford has Gareth Southgate’s trust
After an indifferent start to the season, Pope is starting to prove his worth once more.
Still, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario in which Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate drops Pickford.
Even despite some mixed club form over the years, Southgate has stuck by the former Sunderland stopper.
With Pope omitted from the most recent England squad and Aaron Ramsdale operating as Pickford’s deputy during the win over Scotland earlier this month, Pope has a lot of work to do on the international stage it seems.
Still, England’s loss could be Newcastle’s gain if Pope keeps this level of form up.
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