Gareth Southgate was expected to answer the clarion call to include a couple of Clarets in his full England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Holland and Italy.
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The Three Lions will play Holland
in Amsterdam next Friday, March 23rd and then play hosts to Italy at Wembley on
March 27th
Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope and centre back James Tarkowski have
both been called up and ultimately rewarded for outstanding performances in
Sean DycheÂ’s relentless Europa League chasing Clarets side.
Despite the joy at Turf Moor about the call ups for Nick Pope and James
Tarkowski there will also be a measure of disappointment for both Ben Mee and
Jack Cork who have failed to impress the England supremo enough to earn a place
in the squad.
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Both Mee and Cork have earned well
deserved plaudits for consistent performances throughout this seasonÂ’s English
Premier League campaign and the two have both expressed a real desire to wear
the Three Lions shirt
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Jack Cork who has already earned one full England cap under Southgate will be doubly disappointed that he has been ignored for the two World Cup warm up games.
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Pope and Tarkowski have
both had meteoric rises in their careers to gain full England recognition
Pope
took his opportunity when England shot stopper and club skipper Tom Heaton was
injured against Crystal Palace earlier this season.
Ironically, James Tarkowski took Michael KeaneÂ’s place in the heart of the ClaretsÂ’ defence following KeaneÂ’s pre-season departure to Everton and he has now superseded his former team mate in the Three Lions defensive options.
Burnley fans will be hoping the pair each wins a cap, adding to the ClaretsÂ’ full England international tally, which last saw Jack Cork become the 27th Claret to play for England, following his appearance as a midfield substitute against Germany last November.
Heartfelt congratulations to both players from everyone at Clarets Mad (TEC).
Source : DSG
