Nick Pope would not blame the design of the official World Cup football should he make a mistake in Russia.
Burnley goalkeeper Pope, who made his international debut as a substitute in the recent warm up against Costa Rica, is competing with Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland to be Gareth Southgate’s number one.
The trio have been training with the Adidas Telstar 18 ball ahead of England’s Group G opener against Tunisia on Monday.
“In South Africa (2010) they were the roundest ever…I remember that one,” said the 26-year-old.
“Obviously it’s a different make to the Premier League (ball) – different feel, differently made.
“It’s slightly different but we’ve been training with them for a good two or three weeks now and in March as well.
“We’re well used to them. I never look for an excuse.”
Picture of the day
Video of the day
?️♀️#threelions pic.twitter.com/OAmZPt8Jve
— England (@England) June 16, 2018
What’s on tomorrow?
England train at 08:00 (BST) before holding a press conference in Volgograd (16:45 BST) ahead of Monday’s opener against Tunisia.
Three Lions throwback
