Gareth Southgate has confirmed that the Burnley goalkeeper will remain his No1 in the absence of the injured Jordan Pickford, which will almost certainly end Dean Henderson’s hopes of being first-choice at the Euros.
Pope barely got a touch of the ball in Thursday’s 5-0 win against San Marino, but Southgate has indicated he is the only man to challenge Pickford ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Henderson had hoped his run of games at Manchester United would improve his chances of becoming first-choice for the Three Lions, but he will have to wait to mount a serious challenge.
Southgate said: “Nick was always going to play the next games anyway. He’s been really patient for his opportunity.
“He performs consistently high every week for his club and he’s been with us for a long time, waiting for this moment. He’s a very calm character - we like his personality.
“We knew against San Marino he wasn’t going to be overworked. I’m sure it will be different in the next games.”
