England head coach Thomas Tuchel has picked two Newcastle United players in his latest squad for games against Andorra and Senegal.
The German has made it a common occurrence to see those who play under Eddie Howe feature in his squads, a testament to how well the 47-year-old is performing in his role.
Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad was no exception either, with Dan Burn and Anthony Gordon being given the nod to be in the squad for the next two games. Burn featured in England’s win against Andorra on Saturday evening, but put in a fairly muted performance as his opponents’ attack could do very little to threaten the Three Lions’ back line.
Gordon was a late substitute in the game and nearly left his mark when he knocked a cross onto Noni Madueke, who was unable to finish. While several Newcastle players have featured in England’s squads over the last 12 months, there has been no space for Nick Pope, who has been snubbed over the last few international breaks.
With Pope left wondering what his future with England will be, Tuchel has made a recent comment which can only mean good things for him.
Thomas Tuchel makes England goalkeeper claim that heavily favours Nick Pope
Pope was brilliant for Newcastle against Everton, even though he conceded the only goal of the game. Many would have thought his performance would be enough for Tuchel to name him in his latest England squad, but Pope has been given the cold shoulder by him.
However, Tuchel has since made a claim which could see Pope quickly regain his place in the England squad to the detriment of Jordan Pickford.
Tuchel is eager to have all of his goalkeepers play European football. As it stands, Pope can offer that to Tuchel, but Pickford cannot.
Speaking in his latest pre-match press conference, Tuchel said: “All three of our goalkeepers are not involved in European football, they’re not used to European football, which would be ideal.”
With Pope’s Newcastle playing Champions League football next season, it gives the 33-year-old a huge opportunity to be called back into the England squad and fight for his place to be the country’s first-choice goalkeeper.
- Who is Nick Pope? Get to know the Newcastle United No.1 goalkeeper
Nick Pope could leave Newcastle United this summer
While Pope could benefit from Tuchel’s recent claim, there is no guarantee that he will remain a Newcastle player next season.
Reports have circulated suggesting that Pope could leave Newcastle this summer as Howe looks to bring a younger shot-stopper to help the team in the long-term.
Newcastle are interested in Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, who would also benefit from Tuchel’s comments if he were to join the Magpies this summer.
The belief is that Leeds are interested in Pope as they look to improve their options between the sticks after confirming their return to the Premier League.
Leeds fans agreed that Pope would be a good signing for them, with many saying that he is only entering his prime now.
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