Nick Pope has hailed Eddie Howe and Gareth Southgate for their man-management skills. The Newcastle United goalkeeper is away on international duty as England aim to end their 56-year curse in Qatar.
Pope, alongside Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson, is part of a Toon trio for the Three Lions at the World Cup. The only other time this happened was in 1998, when David Batty, Alan Shearer and Rob Lee were chosen to represent the nation by Glenn Hoddle.
Ironically, a poor run of form leading up to the tournament has seen Howe linked with the England job should Southgate fail to deliver on the big stage. The Magpies’ boss dismissed talk of a switch when asked by reporters ahead of the 4-1 win over Fulham in October.
