Newcastle United are well represented in the England squad these days.
Indeed, three Newcastle players were at the World Cup with England, with Gareth Southgate clearly taking note of the work Eddie Howe has done at club level.
Still, as ever when it comes to England squads, there has been something to talk about in terms of omissions.
Nick Pope, usually a constant in Southgate’s set-up, was overlooked for the most recent squad that will represent the Three Lions against Ukraine and Scotland.
Instead, it is Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone who joins Jordan Pickford and Aaron Ramsdale in the squad, leaving one pundit shocked.
Paul Robinson shocked by Nick Pope being left out of the England squad
Indeed, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson admitted he was shocked Pope was overlooked, particularly given his previous standing under Southgate.
“I was surprised Popey wasn’t included,” said the pundit to the Football Show on Sky Sports. “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.”
Not a great start to the season for Pope
Though the 31-year-old has more than proven his worth for Newcastle since a £10m move from Burnley in the summer of 2022, this season has been difficult.
To write Pope off would of course be foolish but a mistake against Brighton hardly covered himself in glory.
Martin Dubravka, meanwhile, has proven himself at Premier League level and does offer stern competition.
Out of the picture with England – for now at least – Pope needs to get back to his best level.
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