Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope: 'England chance felt distant dream'

Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope has acknowledged that he has not always anticipated a potential call-up to the England squad.

Earlier in his career, Pope spent numerous loan spells at non-league clubs while up until September, the majority of his time at Burnley had been spent on the substitutes' bench.

However, in the absence of the injured Tom Heaton, Pope has impressed in his 27 appearances in the Premier League, leading to Gareth Southgate giving the former Charlton Athletic stopper an opportunity to feature in the squad for the friendlies with the Netherlands and Italy.

At a press conference, the 25-year-old told reporters: "It's obviously a day I never thought I'd see come and, now it has, there's massive elation for me and everyone close to me. I've played in some cold, dark leagues. It's a level, this national team, that you think is too far away almost.

"I feel as though I've put in the hard yards and proved myself at that level to try to get to this. It's no fluke to called-up to the England squad. I'm here to hopefully prove myself again."

Pope has admitted that he is desperate to prove himself during his time with the Three Lions.