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England's Nick Pope has failed his audition to become the Three Lions' first-choice goalkeeper at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after his display against Germany on September 26.
That is according to fans who witnessed the Newcastle United shot-stopper stumble at Wembley Stadium in a frantic 3-3 draw between England and Germany in the UEFA Nations League.
Pope showed signs of nervousness throughout a drab first half. He was caught out by Hansi Flick's side on one occasion when he gave the ball back to the German attackers while trying to play it out from the back.
Luckily, Ilkay Gundogan's shot sailed over his bar but he could do nothing about the Manchester City midfielder's penalty in the second half.
Kai Havertz then doubled Germany's lead with a powerful strike from outside the box in the 67th minute that left Pope clutching at air.
England fought back through goals from Luke Shaw (71), Mason Mount (75) and Harry Kane (83, P).
But it was Germany's equalizer in the dying embers, which had Three Lions supporters scrutinizing Pope.
The Magpies keeper spilled Serge Gnabry's timid shot allowing Havertz to pounce on it for his second of the night.
Pope has performed brilliantly for Newcastle this season, with many touting him as a potential signing of the season.
However, his performance against Germany has led to calls for him to lose his place in Southgate's side.
Here are some reactions to Pope's disappointing display from fans on Twitter:
England manager Southgate to stick with his tried and tested Jordan Pickford
Everton's Pickford is a polarizing goalkeeper for many of the England fans, with some believing he doesn't deserve to be Southgate's No.1
However, he is yet to put a foot wrong for the Three Lions and his performances at both the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championships last summer were impressive.
Pickford has started the new season off in fine form for the Toffees, making eye-catching saves in Frank Lampard's side's draws against Liverpool and Leeds United.
Southgate has trusted Pickford despite some critical of his place in the side and Pope's performance tonight will surely see him start at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Other competitions for Pickford to contend with include Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale and Nottingham Forest's on-loan Dean Henderson.
However, Ramsdale and Henderson's lack of experience at international level points towards Pickford starting against Iran on November 21 when the World Cup kicks off in Qatar.
He has earned 45 international caps and has kept 21 clean sheets along with impressive outings in penalty shootouts.
