It has been a downbeat international break for all associated with England after the Three Lions were relegated from their Nations League group and failed to win either of their two matches.
The English do not look in good shape heading to Qatar and there will be plenty of questions about Gareth Southgate ahead of the tournament.
Many don’t understand the England manager’s stance on Trent Alexander-Arnold or his allegiance to an out-of-form Harry Maguire, but now Ian Wright believes he too has a goalkeeping problem.
Speaking at Wrighty’s House, the Arsenal legend reflected on England’s latest performance and had some negative things to say about Newcastle’s Nick Pope.
Speaking on his podcast, Wright said of the goalie: “To be honest, I’m not sure about Popey. I felt sorry for him.
“Germany attacked him last night and we can’t afford that.
“I was nervous for him again, the way he was, the ball coming back to him.
“There were a couple when the ball came back to him early, I just think he looked very, very nervous. He is not good (with the ball) on the pitch.
“He’s someone that teams would definitely target if he was in goal, and his feet weren’t good, and that shot.
“I know he just landed in front of him, but you have to push him (the pole).”
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Pope has been a very solid goalkeeper in the Premier League for some time and has done well since joining Newcastle this season.
The 30-year-old didn’t live up to those standards the other night against Germany and could have missed his chance to become England’s number one while Jordan Pickford was out with injury.
However, being a good ball-playing goalkeeper is not essential to the way England play, so Pope still has a chance, but Pickford is likely to return before the plane leaves for Qatar.
