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Nick Pope says it is 'every man for himself' in race to become England No 1

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Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope is keen to prove to Gareth Southgate he is worth a place in England's World Cup squad.

Nick Pope says it is "every man for himself" as England manager Gareth Southgate contemplates who will be his first-choice goalkeeper for this summer's World Cup in Russia.

Burnley's Pope has been named in Southgate's squad for the high-profile friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy, alongside fellow goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and Joe Hart.

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The former Welling, Cambridge and Charlton player has been in impressive form for his club side this season after Tom Heaton, another England international, badly injured his shoulder in September, to give Pope the opportunity to impress.

"If I wasn't in this squad I would be an outsider for the World Cup at most. I have got to prove myself at this level," said Pope.

"I've come here to enjoy it and show what I am about. In football, you have to be hungry and I am happy to be here.

"There has got to be one No 1. Come the World Cup there will be one goalkeeper who has that slot. There are eight games left of the Premier League season and it is every man for himself."

Nick Pope at England training
Image: Pope is pushing for a place in Gareth Southgate's England World Cup squad

Pope admitted he never thought he would make it through the divisions and into a full England squad but he is determined to make the most of his opportunity to impress at international level now it has arrived.

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"It's obviously a day I never thought I'd see come and, now it has, there's massive elation for me and everyone close to me," Pope added.

"I've played in some cold, dark leagues. It's a level, this national team, that you think is too far away almost.

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"I feel as though I've put in the hard yards and proved myself at that level to try to get to this. It's no fluke to called-up to the England squad. I'm here to hopefully prove myself again."

As for his impressive season with Burnley, who lie seventh in the Premier League table, Pope says he is delighted with their progress but admitted if it was not for the unfortunate injury to Heaton, he would never have been able to get near the England squad.

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"The last six months are something I could never have foreseen happening," he said. "When Tom went down it was an opportunity for me that has blossomed into an England call-up.

"It can't be easy for him. Being injured is probably one of the hardest things in football. He's a top guy, and it has shone through."

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