With the announcement of Gareth Southgate’s England squad earlier this afternoon, goalkeeper Nick Pope has been named as one of the three in contention to take his place between the sticks at the upcoming World Cup in Russia.
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) May 16, 2018
The former Charlton Athletic man finds himself in Southgate’s 23 man squad for the Finals and following his first call-up for friendlies against Italy and the Netherlands back in March, he is easily the stand out selection for the Clarets.
James Tarkowski and Tom Heaton have been named on the standby list though, so if injuries hit they too could be involved.
Whichever way you paint it, it’s a huge success for little ol Burnley and stands as a testament to the season we’ve had in the Premier League which has seen us qualify for a European adventure next season.
It means Pope becomes the first Burnley player, along with Iceland’s Johann Berg Gudmundsson, to go to a World Cup since Northern Ireland duo Billy Hamilton and Tommy Cassidy back in 1982. Pope is the first England man specifically to travel since John Connelly back in 1962, where he was a non-playing member of the squad.
Former Burnley full-back Kieran Trippier has also made the squad and Sam Vokes is back with the Welsh group for their upcoming friendly.
Fans were quick to applaud him for his involvement.
Enjoy the ride @Popey1992 you fully deserve it! ????????????????????????????????
— ????????????????????????????????????james buxton???????????????????????????????????? (@buxton081) May 16, 2018
Well done @Popey1992 fully deserved.
— Scott Nelson (@SNelson1882) May 16, 2018
Well done @Popey1992 So proud and happy for you !!!!!
— TrueClaret&Blue (@ClaretandBlue82) May 16, 2018
???? Nick Pope in the middle of our goal! ????
— Paul Anderson (@pauland9894) May 16, 2018
One of the best keepers I've ever seen in a York City shirt and he's been amazing for you guys. Bright future ahead of him
— Steve Warren (@StevoWarr) May 16, 2018
Much deserved. Hope he'll be number one
— #AbramovichOut (@DelusionalFraud) May 16, 2018
Fantastic fully deserved @Popey1992. Should never have been in doubt
— Ian Wilkinson – Rosegrove Rebels U8 (@wilks_bfc) May 16, 2018