Nick Pope relishing the opportunity to be big brother in England camp as elder statesman

Nick Pope has earned himself a recall to the England setup after Gareth Southgate dropped the Newcastle United goalkeeper last season.

Newcastle's 32-year-old shot stopper fell out of favour under Gareth Southgate being dropped before he picked up his big injury at Manchester United that kept him out for most of last season.

Pope's return towards the end of the season didn't give him enough time to play his way back into the England squad for Euro 2024, but England's loss was Newcastle's gain as he has been able to focus on getting back to full fitness.

Despite a couple of errors and the fact that his kicking is still garbage, it's so reassuring having Pope back between the sticks for Newcastle. Some of the saves he has made this season already have kept us in games.

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Pope says he will look after Tino Livramento

His efforts have been rewarded by interim England boss Lee Carsley with a recall to the squad where he will be joined by two club mates in Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon.

Pope has been speaking to Sky Sports (via Newcastle World) and has said that he is looking forward to taking some of the new guys under his wing as an England veteran.

“It’s been a longish time to come back into the squad. It’s good to be here and nice to see some familiar faces. Obviously, it’s mixed with new faces as well. I’m delighted to earn the right to be back.

“I’ve been here before and got that experience, obviously Tino has come from my club and he’s new so to be able to help him in whatever way I can is nice. I’m looking forward to using that experience, whether it’s driving training or speaking to the lads, whatever that may be.”

Nick Pope took time to praise Kieran Trippier too

It sounds as though Pope's not expecting to play much of a part in the two upcoming Nations League games against Ireland and Finland, but he's happy just to be part of the squad again.

Another Newcastle teammate who isn't in the camp after retiring from international duty hours before the squad was announced is Kieran Trippier and Pope was quick to mention his club vice-captain too.

“Yeah, a massive one (whether Trippier will be a miss), both on and off the pitch. He has over 50 caps. What an unbelievable goal and moment for England fans (Trippier's free-kick against Croatia in 2018).

“We as players will remember him for a very long time. It’s a big, big hole to fill. He’s a top player and obviously a top professional who represented England at the top level for a long time. He can hold his head high and be proud of what he achieved.”