Burnley’s first choice shot stopper Nick Pope is expected to undergo a minor surgery next week that will essentially rule him out of the upcoming Euro campaign. The 29-year-old has featured between the sticks for the Three Lions recently and was set to be a fixture in Gareth Southgate’s squad. He has missed the last few games due to a knee injury which is more serious than it was thought to be.
Sean Dyche recently mentioned, “Unfortunately, Nick is going to need a minor operation on his knee this week. That’s not ideal for him or us and possibly for the England team. We’ll wait and see.”
“It’s nothing too serious, we don’t think, but it still needed doing. He was trying to get right for this game to give it a test but didn’t quite come through in training, so he and we have had to make a judgement call on that.”
“It’s mainly down to him and he knows what he’s got to do. He’ll have that done this week and hopefully, it will settle down for a quick recovery.”
Nick Pope has arguably been the best English goalkeeper in the Premier League over the last few seasons. However, Gareth Southgate has preferred Jordan Pickford over the Burnley man due to his ability on the ball.
Like Nick Pope, Manchester United’s Dean Henderson was also expected to be a part of the Euro contingent. Henderson has replaced David De Gea as the number one goalkeeper at Old Trafford in the last few months which ensures his spot in the English squad.
Nick Pope’s injury opens the door for West Brom’s goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to find a place in the squad. He has been included in the England setup earlier this year and will be one of the first names Gareth Southgate thinks of while finding a replacement for Nick Pope.
While Pope’s injury may not change England’s fortunes this summer, it definitely secures Jordan Pickford’s role as the main man with the gloves while also giving a chance to Sam Johnstone to experience a major tournament.
