Newcastle United keeper backed for England World Cup spot - not the one you think

Newcastle United keeper Nick Pope has been backed to claim an England World Cup slot - that despite not having the gloves at St James’ Park.

Ramsdale has this week displaced Pope between the sticks for the Magpies, after a high-profile error led to defeat against Everton last weekend. It was the latest in a lengthening line of errors from Pope, and it was unusual for Eddie Howe, often very patient with his players, to drop the former Burnley man - something he admitted in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

And despite all of that, former Arsenal keeper Graham Stack has faith in Pope, so much so, if he was selecting the next England squad, and the one for America in the summer, he’d have Pope’s name on the list.

Nick Pope backed for England slot - despite losing his NUFC place

Stack speaking to Newcastle World via Rainbow Riches slot said: “It's Dean Henderson, Nick Pope and Jordan Pickford, isn't it? Henderson, Pope, Pickford, yeah. You could take James Trafford, but you wouldn't put him in the squad, not for me personally.”

“I feel for Ramsdale a little bit, mate. I really do. It just hasn't worked out for him at Newcastle up until now, and I think Pope's a very consistent goalie. I love Pope's all-round goalkeeping. I think he’s excellent.

“But I know he struggles with the ball at his feet. He looks awkward at times. He's not a natural footballer. He's not a natural mover around the goal. He's just not that type of goalkeeper, he's just really not. But he's unbelievable at dealing with things in his box. He's really, really good. And he's an outstanding shot-stopper and blocker. And he's brave as a lion.”

Aaron Ramsdale is ‘unbelievable’ for Man United performance

Stack admits he’s been impressed with Ramsdale, another former Arsenal stopper, especially with his match-winning return to the side against in-form Manchester United.

“He was unbelievable, and he’s the reason that they got the three points,” said Stack.

“A great win for Newcastle, especially with 10 men. It was great to see Ramsdale between the sticks again, and he pulled off some ridiculous saves. We all know he is capable of it and he delivered a performance that we all expect of him, nothing short of brilliant.”

He continued: “The save from Yoro at 1-1 is a match winner. The save from Zirkzee was also first class. I know Pope is a great keeper, but would love nothing more than to see Ramsdale get a really good run of games and continue that level for performance. He is a brilliant keeper and just needs to keep playing.

“I like Pope. Dubravka went to Burnley. He might have felt as though there was an opportunity to go heads up with Pope in terms of getting the Newcastle shirt, but it just hasn't happened for him at Newcastle. I think he got in when Pope was out injured. So, that was like an opportunity for Ramsdale to almost make a claim, which would have been a brilliant time if he would have got in around Christmas time or January time and then stays in the team.”