World Cup 2018: Nick Pope on journey from milkman to England squad

Nick Pope could make his England debut against the Netherlands on Friday

Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope says an England call-up seemed a "far off possibility" when he was starting a milk round at 4am after being released by Ipswich Town as a teenager.

Pope, 25, is in the England squad for their forthcoming friendlies with Italy and the Netherlands after an impressive debut Premier League season.

But he was let go by Ipswich aged 16, and had to take part-time work while playing for non-league clubs.

"It's been a hard ride," he said.

"I had a couple of jobs. I worked in Next and on a milk round. I was on an electric float, a 4am-er in Soham. It didn't pay much."

Pope joined non-league Bury Town after leaving Ipswich, and even after joining Charlton Athletic in 2011 had spells outside the Football League at Harrow Borough, Welling United and Aldershot Town.

"I've played in some cold, dark leagues," he said. "I was in Bury Town reserves in the Essex and Suffolk Border League. I think that was tier seven.

"Brightlingsea was a rough one... I hope the people of Brightlingsea don't mind! Little Oakley - some places you need a map. [It was] 10 people and a dog.

"You have to prove yourself at every level to get to the next one."

Pope joined Burnley from Charlton in 2016 but only made his Premier League debut in September when the Clarets' first-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton was injured.

"I feel like I've put in some hard yards and proven myself at those levels. I don't think it's a fluke to get called up to the England squad.

"It's obviously a day I never thought I'd see come and, now it has, it's massive elation for me and everyone close to me."

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'It's every man for themselves'

Pope (second left) has impressed this season for Burnley

Pope is joined in England's squad by Everton's Jordan Pickford, Stoke's Jack Butland and Manchester City's Joe Hart, who is on loan at West Ham.

Butland started England's most recent qualifier - against Lithuania - while Hart has been the regular first choice for the past six years and Pickford made his international debut against Germany last November.

But Pope has kept more clean sheets and conceded fewer Premier League goals than the other three goalkeepers in Gareth Southgate's squad.

After naming his 27-man squad last week, Southgate said the number one jersey at this summer's World Cup was "up for grabs".

"I want it to be me," Pope said.

"It would be a massive honour to represent your country and to go to a World Cup.

"There are eight games left of the Premier League season and it is every man for himself.

"You have got to be hungry, greedy and have to push yourself," he added. "It is a new challenge and a challenge I want to take on."

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