England and Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has praised Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope after his limited action at this year's World Cup and the professionalism he's shown.
Pope nor his team-mate Aaron Ramsdale have played a single minute of action since landing in Qatar last month, stuck behind Three Lions No 1 Jordan Pickford who has been manager Gareth Southgate's go-to choice between the sticks for over five years now.
However, Pope hasn't moaned or complained - rather he's tried harder than ever to break through and play on football's biggest stage after being the Premier League's best-performing goalkeeper so far this season after conceding just 11 goals in 15 matches for the Magpies while Ramsdale is second with 11 conceded in 14.
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Both their efforts have earned their plaudits from teammate Rashford, who himself has stolen the headlines at the tournament after scoring three goals including a brace against rivals Wales to allow England to top the group - his first goals at a major tournament for the Three Lions.
The 25-year-old was full of admiration for Pope earlier this week, claiming it helps the entire squad to have players like him around the camp.
"The keepers have been top quality. There's only one of them (Jordan Pickford) that can play.
"The other two lads (Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale) have been unbelievable. They have always given it one hundred per cent in training, they put their bodies on the line every single day. It has been fantastic to have those type of professionals around us."
It's highly unlikely Pope will be called into action when England face their toughest test yet at the tournament tonight when they play France but will have to be ready for action if anything happens to Pickford between now and then or during the game.
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