Fraser Forster will replace Nick Pope in the England squad to play against Italy and Ukraine as Pope has withdrawn
According to The Athletic, Nick Pope has withdrawn from the England squad for their matches against Italy and Ukraine due to a minor injury.
Pope’s chance of getting England top spot is delayed
Despite playing the full 90 minutes for Newcastle in their Premier League win over Nottingham Forest on Friday, he will be replaced by Fraser Forster in the squad. Forster will join Jordan Pickford and Aaron Ramsdale as the goalkeeping options for Gareth Southgate.
Fraser Forster signed for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer on a free transfer as a backup goalkeeper. However, he earned a few starts when Hugo Lloris sustained a serious knee injury.
Forster has played in 13 matches across all competitions under manager Antonio Conte. He has managed to keep four clean sheets so far this season.
Forster has represented the England national team on six occasions, with his most recent cap coming in a friendly match against the Netherlands at Wembley Stadium in 2016, where the Three Lions were defeated 2-1.
The Three Lions take on Italy on Thursday, March 23 in Naples. They will then head to Wembley to host Ukraine three days later.
