With Jordan Pickford injured, England opted to take Nick Pope, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson for their Nations League ties vs Italy and Germany.
To the surprise of many, Pope started both games for the Three Lions.
The Newcastle man looked uncomfortable with the ball at his feet. And vs Germany he cost England a goal, spilling a shot into the path of Kai Havertz.
Ramsdale, meanwhile, a player many argue should be challenging Pickford for the no.1 spot, was left on the bench on Monday.
And now, former England striker Chris Sutton described the decision to play Pope ahead of Ramsdale as ‘strange’ given his view that the Arsenal player is ‘better with his feet’.
“I am a big fan of Nick Pope. It’s not his kicking, but for his actual handling. This is a howler.
Pickford is now expected to return and be England’s no.1 for the World Cup, but if Gareth Southgate steps down, it seems likely Ramsdale will be finally given a chance by whoever is brought in.
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