Nick Pope has been handed a timely opportunity to stake his World Cup chances with England after the injury to Everton's Jordan Pickford. The Newcastle United stopper is expected to be included in the Three Lions' upcoming Nations League squad for fixtures later this month and will have a keen eye on the Qatar World Cup in November.
Pickford has picked up a thigh problem after draw with Liverpool which will likely keep him sidelined until early October, meaning England's established No 1 will miss the Nations League matches away to Italy on September 23 and at home to Germany on September 26.
Pope's early season form with Newcastle puts him in a great position to replace Pickford this month and potentially beyond, while Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale and Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Dean Henderson will also fancy their chances.
READ MORE: Newcastle United close to signing Loris Karius as emergency goalkeeper transfer needed
Pope has impressed so far this term with some stellar performances in the Premier League. The former Burnley man replaced Martin Dubravka as Eddie Howe's No 1 over the summer and has justified the Newcastle boss' decision thus far.
The 30-year-old has kept three clean sheets this season and his performances have earned him a nomination for Premier League Player of the Month. Pope will go up against Martin Odegaard, Rodrigo, Pascal Gross, Gabriel Jesus, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Wilfried Zaha and likely winner Erling Haaland.
Pope got the chance to audition for his England place earlier this season as Gareth Southgate watched Newcastle take on Manchester City at St. James' Park. Howe's side conceded three against the champions but earned a hard-fought draw, largely due to saves by Pope.
There may soon be a new goalkeeper at Newcastle after Darlow picked up an ankle injury that may keep him out of action until after the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Chronicle Live understands. The Magpies' backup stopper picked up the problem in training, just days after the summer transfer window shut.
Newcastle have subsequently been forced to find emergency goalkeeper cover in the form of ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius. The German stopper was released on Merseyside earlier this year after falling down the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp.
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