Fraser Forster has received a surprise call-up to the England squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Gareth Southgate selected his squad earlier this week for fixtures with Italy and Ukraine, both taking place over the next seven days.
Forster will be part of the England squad for the next qualifiers
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He replaces Pope who will undergo treatment for a minor injury
The Tottenham goalkeeper initially missed the call but benefited from the injury suffered by Nick Pope.
The Newcastle number one was treated for a minor injury last week but played the full 90 minutes in the Magpies’ 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Friday night.
However, The Athletic report that the decision has been made to allow Pope to seek treatment during the international break, freeing up a place in Southgate’s squad.
For Forster, the call-up is a huge boost after joining Tottenham as a substitute last summer.
The 35-year-old is Hugo Lloris’ understudy in north London but has been playing regularly since early February due to the French shot-stopper’s injury.
His last game saw him concede three goals in a 3-3 draw with his former club Southampton, a game that did little to help Tottenham’s hopes of finishing in the top four.
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Forster endured a tough day at the office after conceding three against former club Southampton
However, Forster now has the chance to earn his first England cap since last appearing for the Three Lions in 2016.
He has six selections for his country, including the first in 2013.
The 35-year-old’s last call-up came in March 2022, when he was a late addition to the squad as a replacement for Sam Johnstone.
