Don’t give Pope a sermon

» DYCHE DEFENDS ENGLAND KEEPER » NICK MADE POOR PASS... SO WHAT?

BURNLEY manager Sean Dyche told Nick Pope that criticism comes with the territory of being England’s No.1.

Pope (right) came under the spotlight in midweek when his pass to John Stones led to a mistake by the Manchester City defender that brought Poland an equaliser in the World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

It was the first goal the 28-year-old Clarets keeper had conceded in seven England games – and Gareth Southgate’s men went on to win anyway.

But Dyche believes that the top players have to develop a thick skin as well as their technical ability – and reckons Pope has what it takes.

Dyche said: “Everyone has an opinion, and part of your development as a footballer is to understand that.

“You’ve got the media, which is international now, and then the socialmedia side of things.

“The intensity is now 50-times worse than it was when I was a player.

“But no player should ever need me to speak to them about criticism. They have to learn to deal with it themselves.

“I don’t think it worries Nick Pope.

“He’s had six clean sheets in seven games for England.

“So he didn’t make a good pass to John Stones. So what?

“Trust me, he’ll be alright with the clean sheets he’s kept, so why overthink it?

“This is modern life, this is modern football.

“You are going to get opinions all the time, so just deal with it.

“If someone wants to give me stick – or even praise – I will take them both in exactly the same way. Players need to learn that.

“If I was Nick Pope, I’d say, ‘ I’ve just kept six out of seven clean sheets for England’. That would be the only thought in my mind.”

Etihad star Ederson has set new standards with his passing out from the back for Manchester City.

And the Brazilian keeper is also leading the race for the Golden Gloves this season.

But no Englishman has kept more clean sheets in the Premier League so far than Pope.

He has produced nine for a team that has spent most of the season fighting the drop – and the

Clarets could use a Pope masterclass against Southampton today to prevent them being dragged into a nervy finish next month.