Nick Pope Returns to England Squad Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Big news for England fans this week as former York City goalkeeper Nick Pope has been recalled to the national team. Pope, who currently guards the net for Newcastle United, will be part of Thomas Tuchel’s 25-man squad for the final round of European Qualifiers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. England will take on Serbia at Wembley on Thursday, November 13, followed by a trip to Albania on Sunday, November 16. This marks Pope’s first inclusion since Tuchel became England manager in October 2024.
Pope’s recall comes after a period away from the national setup. He last featured under Lee Carsley following Gareth Southgate’s departure, making this return a significant moment for the goalkeeper. His impressive performances at Newcastle, including regular Champions League appearances, have clearly caught Tuchel’s attention. The manager highlighted that Pope’s selection is a reward for his contributions at club level and a chance to assess what he can bring to the England team both on and off the pitch.
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For those who follow his career closely, Pope’s journey from York City to the international stage is quite remarkable. He initially joined York on a one-month loan during the 2013/14 season, which was later extended to the end of the season. During that spell, he made 24 appearances and kept an impressive 16 clean sheets, helping the Minstermen finish seventh and reach the play-offs under Nigel Worthington. Unfortunately, York were eliminated in the semi-final by Fleetwood Town, but Pope’s performances were already attracting attention from higher leagues.
Tuchel’s squad also features some familiar faces like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Adam Wharton, alongside newcomers such as AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who has received his first senior call-up. The full squad includes goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, and Pope; defenders like Kieran Trippier, Ben Mee, and John Stones; midfielders such as Declan Rice and James Ward-Prowse; and forwards including Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka.
Interestingly, Pope’s recall has sparked discussions around Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford. Trafford, who almost joined Newcastle, ended up at City instead and is currently the club’s third-choice keeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma. Tuchel’s praise of Pope and the decision to bring him back could be disappointing for Trafford, who had previously been in the national squad but is now sidelined due to limited game time at City.
Overall, Pope’s return to the England squad not only rewards his excellent season at Newcastle but also gives him a fantastic opportunity to stake a claim for a place in next summer’s World Cup. England fans will be watching closely to see if the former York City keeper can make an impact on the international stage once again.
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