BBC pundit Garth Crooks believes England should start Nick Pope for their World Cup opener against Iran. Gareth Southgate has remained loyal to Jordan Pickford since handing him his first international cap in November 2017.
Injury ruled the former Sunderland goalkeeper out of the last international break, handing Pope a golden chance to stake his claim. However, an error in the 3-3 draw with Germany damaged the 30-year-old’s chances of dethroning Pickford for the World Cup.
Arsenal shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale is another option for Southgate at this month’s tournament in Qatar. Alongside Pope, the two boast the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League this season. Despite this, Pickford is still expected to be in the starting line-up when England take on Iran next Monday.
