Newcastle fact check Brentford fans mock Nick Pope with chant on first start since injury
Brentford fans cheekily joked about Nick Pope's prospects in England but Newcastle were on hand to check them out.
The goalkeeper made his first start for the magpies since December, when he suffered a dislocated shoulder in a 1-0 win against Manchester United while helping his team to a 4-2 win on the final day of the Premier League season.
As a result, Pope has been out of action for most of the campaign, with Martin Dubravka the man to replace him between the sticks.
However, Eddie Howe named him in the starting XI for the final game of the season in Brentford on Sunday.
He conceded twice but Newcastle were left with all three options and the home fans in west London did their best to distract him afterwards.
“You will never play for England,” they were said to shout according to the Newcastle X account.
They said: “90' They sing 'You'll never play for England' to Nick Pope, who has played several internationals for England.”
In fact, Pope has played ten times for England, most recently in the 3-3 Nations League draw against Germany in September 2022.
The former Burnley player would have been one of the favorites to be named one of the Three Lions goalkeepers for Euro 2024 this summer, however his selection seems unlikely due to his long injury absence, in what would be a unfortunate way to end your chances. .
Pope's appearance against Brentford was his 21st of the season in all competitions and could prove crucial for the club.
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Newcastle's victory has allowed them to finish seventh in the Premier League and ahead of United thanks to their superior goal difference.
And if Manchester City beat United in the FA Cup final on Saturday, the Magpies will play in the Europa Conference League next season.
It has been a tough campaign for Howe's side amid a series of injury problems that have derailed their progress from last season's fourth-place finish.
However, they have finished the campaign on a high with an 18th league win and their star goalkeeper back in action.
