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Holy white smoke! Coach of England appears to have already chosen Pope replacement

Odds point to Southgate turning to Johnstone in absence of Burnley keeper at this summer's Euros.

Bookmakers believe West Bromwich Albion's Sam Johnstone will be the beneficiary of Nick Pope's absence from the England squad.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche confirmed on Sunday that the 29-year-old would not be available for The Three Lions this summer as he is due to undergo knee surgery. Although not serious, it would rule him out of contention.

Pope was thought to be in with a real chance of pushing Jordan Pickford for his starting spot but now Manchester United's Dean Henderson is set to serve as No. 2.

Nick Pope is set miss out on this summer's Euros as he undergoes surgery

And if the odds are to be believed, the uncapped Johnstone is in line to get the call-up. Prior to Pope's injury he was 11/10 but he has now been backed into 1/10 with BetVictor.

Southgate has other options and the main rival to Johnstone looks to be Southampton No. 1 Alex McCarthy, who has played for England under the current regime. He can be backed at 12/1.

Tom Heaton, 35, who is in talks to join Manchester United as third choice, has also played for Southgate. His chances are not without merit should the England boss want to go with experience and his odds have come in to 16/1.
Other possibilities include Sheffield United's Aaron Ramsdale (25/1) and Southgate's godson.
Freddie Woodman is currently enjoying a superb season at Swansea City. The son of Southgate's best friend Andy, he has been mentioned as a possible England international. However, the Euros look to have come too early, with Woodman priced at 66/1.

Swansea keeper Freddie Woodman

BetVictor's head of ante post football Michael Triffitt told Planet Sport that Pope's replacement was unlikely to come from left field: "It would appear West Brom stopper Sam Johnstone looks poised to make the cut," said Triffitt.

"Punters were quick to react to the rumours as Johnstone was shortened quickly from 6/4 to 1/2 late Saturday and then at all rates into the present 1/10 when the Pope news hit the media. He had previously been supported at a high of 25/1 so once again there are plenty hoping he makes the final 26.

"With Everton No. 1 Jordan Pickford 1/20 and Manchester United's Dean Henderson just 1/16, its now looking increasingly likely these three will be chosen by Gareth Southgate."

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