ENGLAND star Nick Pope is set to return to action before the end of the season and make a late push to be in the Euro 2024 squad.
The Newcastle man’s return date had been uncertain before now.
Gareth Southgate is in need of shot stoppers with uncertainty around his back-up options.
Pope came off injured in the 1-0 win over Manchester United in December after dislocating his shoulder.
He has been ruled out since but is now on track to return before the end of the season and is expected to play some part in the final games of the campaign.
The 31-year-old made the Three Lions squad for the 2022 World Cup but did not make an appearance.
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Pope has 10 England caps, making his last appearance in the 3-3 draw against Germany in the UEFA Nation’s League fixture in September 2022.
Southgate’s plans over the recent international window were turned upside down by an injury pile-up, meaning he’ll be keen to see any options back in contention.
Sam Johnstone, a back-up option to Jordan Pickford, is currently out injured and looks set to miss the Euros.
Meanwhile Aaron Ramsdale isn’t playing for Arsenal.
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The desire for more options could see Southgate support a proposal for bigger squads.
Squad numbers increased from 23 to 26 at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, but were expected to revert back to 23 this summer.
However, Southgate is considering backing a call from other coaches to take an expanded 26-strong due to England’s injury crisis.
He is scheduled to announce the training squad on Tuesday May 21, just two days after the Premier League ends.
England will kick off Euro 2024 against Serbia in on Sunday June, 16 before taking on Denmark on Thursday June, 20.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
