World Cup

[monks data]

Attendance: 36,104

International Friendlies

Jun 7, 2018 at 8pm UK

England
2-0
Costa Rica

Rashford (13'), Welbeck (76')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Nick Pope to be handed England debut against Costa Rica?

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 07 June 2018

England manager Gareth Southgate will reportedly hand a debut to Nick Pope during his side's World Cup warm-up match with Costa Rica.

England manager Gareth Southgate will reportedly hand Nick Pope his international debut during this evening's World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica.

Southgate has already confirmed that Jack Butland will start between the sticks at Elland Road, but Pope is expected to feature as a half-time substitute in what will be his first appearance for the national team.

Pope only broke into the Burnley first team this season due to an injury to Tom Heaton, but his performances throughout the campaign earned him a call-up to the World Cup squad ahead of Joe Hart.

Jordan Pickford is expected to be England's number one at this summer's tournament in Russia, but both Butland and Pope will be given chances to put their case forward this evening.

Southgate will make a number of changes to his side from the 2-1 win over Nigeria in what is England's last match before the World Cup, and the manager is eager to go into the tournament without any uncapped players in his squad.

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will also be handed his international debut this evening, when he will become the 17th player to make their England bows under Southgate.