Nick Pope admits the reaction after his costly error on his last England start against Germany was 'as if someone had died'. However, the Newcastle United goalkeeper has outlined how he responds to setbacks ahead of the World Cup.
Gareth Southgate turned to Pope for the latest round of Nations League fixtures in September with Jordan Pickford unavailable for selection. The Magpies' number one was helpless to prevent Giacomo Raspadori scoring the only goal of the game in a narrow defeat at Italy.
Pope would then go on to concede three times at Wembley in the thrilling draw with Germany. The 30-year-old was beaten from the penalty spot by Ilkay Gundogan and by a long-range stunner from Kai Havertz as the visitors took a two-goal lead.
READ MORE: From non-league conqueror to World Cup star - Inside the incredible rise of Newcastle's Nick Pope
England turned the match around with three goals in just 12 minutes, with a penalty from Harry Kane in the 83rd minute putting the hosts on course for a morale-boosting win. However, Havertz would grab an equaliser three minutes' from time after capitalising on a goalkeeping error.
Pope was unable to gather a dipping shot from distance by Serge Gnabry, presenting the Chelsea star with a simple tap-in. It was an uncharacteristic mistake from Newcastle's number one, but it was a case of simply 'carrying on' rather than dwelling on the high-profile error.
Pope told the Mail+ : "I can’t lie, I got a few texts after the game and it was as if someone had died. It was not ideal, but that is all part of being a goalkeeper.
"Something I always said to myself when I was younger is, you really have to normalise those stickier moments. The difference between players at certain levels is above their shoulders (he points to his head). That is massive, the attitude you have and how you can control certain things.
"You learn quickly that you are going to chuck one in now and again. It is how you respond to that and look at the bigger picture, because mistakes will cost your team goals and points.
"But, for me, it is so much not about that mistake against Germany. It was a case of carrying on, coming back to Newcastle. There were big games to play and, fortunately for us, it’s gone very well."
READ NEXT
Newcastle United, FFP and the £70.4m investment which could mark start of 'limitless' spending
Newcastle wonderkid saves millions and it 'won't be long until everyone realises' how good he is
Bruno Guimaraes offers support to Newcastle United 'brother' Joelinton after Brazil World Cup snub
Liverpool takeover stance provides reminder over £300m Newcastle United bargain
Former Premier League boss delivers verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier debate
