'Probably the best': Fara Williams names Nick Pope as best English goalkeeper ahead of Thomas Tuchel's first squad

Thomas Tuchel will announce his first squad as England manager on Thursday with a few Newcastle United players hoping to receive the call.

One player who seemed like a certainty for a call-up was Lewis Hall, but the young left-back has been ruled out for the rest of the season in a case of awful timing.

Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento will also be hoping they've done enough to impress the new boss. Gordon is more established now as an England international, whereas Livramento got some nice views from the dugout under Lee Carsley before eventually making his debut.

The big question mark is whether or not Nick Pope has done enough to catch Tuchel's eye.

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Can Nick Pope play his way into Thomas Tuchel's England side tonight?

Newcastle's first-choice 'keeper has just returned form a long injury layoff and in the appearances he's made so far, has failed to convince anyone that he's ready to return as first-choice.

Indeed, we opted for Martin Dubravka in our lineup prediction ahead of tonight's clash with West Ham, but as kick-off draws nearer, we have now switched to Pope being reinstated.

It seems as though Eddie Howe is trying to restore Nick Pope to first-choice and felt bad about dropping Martin Dubravka after convincing him to stay on, and handed him a start in the FA Cup.

Fara Williams says Nick Pope is England's best shot stopper

Should Nick Pope put in a good performance tonight, he could push for a late call by Tuchel, with England women's appearance record holder Fara Williams backing a call up for Pope on the BBC.

"I'd argue in terms of shot-stopping and presence Nick Pope is probably the best English goalkeeper.

"If you're looking for that old school, all-round kind of goalkeeper with presence who will block shots he's one of the best in the Premier League.

"But, we know how the modern game is. If you're not equally good in possession, it holds you back.

"What he lacks is in distribution, he's not the tidiest in possession and that's the only downfall to his performances as a goalkeeper.

"The only reason why I would not pick Pope is we know he isn't that good with and comfortable with his feet."

His shot stopping hasn't been much to write home about since his return either, but it could all change tonight. HOWAY POPEY!