Nick Pope has revealed that he is relishing the "rivalry" that currently exists for the goalkeeping position with England.
The Burnley stopper has been named in Gareth Southgate's squad for the 2018 World Cup, and made his Three Lions debut in Thursday's 2-0 win over Costa Rica at Elland Road.
Everton's Jordan Pickford and Stoke City's Jack Butland are both ahead of Pope in the pecking order for the number one position, but Pope is relishing the challenge of securing a spot in Southgate's first XI.
"When you come off the bench as a goalkeeper, for the boys in front [on the pitch] it is important you show confidence, so I was pleased," Pope told Sky Sports News.
"I had a heads-up that I would play some part so it was nice to prepare myself mentally and get ready to go.
"That [goalkeeper rivalry] helps push us all to be better and that's the way it should be. That's what's best for the England national team and us as individuals. It's great to have that rivalry between us and the competition that there is."
England will open their World Cup campaign against Tunisia on June 18.
Matt Law
