NICK Pope admits he wants to be England’s No.1 - whether that be in this summer’s World Cup or further down the line.

The Burnley goalkeeper has yet to make his debut for the Three Lions but has been included in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad for the World Cup in Russia which begins next week.

Everton’s Jordan Pickford is expected to start England’s first game against Tunisia having been given number one jersey in the squad list.

Stoke City’s Jack Butland is another jostling for position with Pope, allocated number 23, who will hope to make his international bow in Thursday’s friendly against Costa Rica at Elland Road.

But even if the call doesn’t come then, the 26-year-old maintains he wants to be a starter for club and country in the future.

Speaking about the England No.1 spot the Clarets ace said: “We’ll have to wait and see what happens, it’s obviously out of my hands.

“I’ll have to see what I can do over the next few weeks, few months or years to see if I can put myself in to a position to be number one.

“It’s one small step at a time, I’m happy to be in the squad now but I obviously want to push on as well.”

Pope has been joined by his Turf teammate Tom Heaton in the England squad ahead of the World Cup with the Clarets captain on the standby list for the tournament. Heaton has three caps for his country but has been unable to dislodge Pope in the Burnley team since returning from a shoulder injury in the final weeks of last season.

And the former Charlton man says the keepers all get along.

“We get on really well and we’re pushing each other every day which is what is best for the team,” he added. “We enjoy training together.

“With Tom (Heaton) there are four great characters. Training each day is hard but we’re pushing each other and that’s the way it should be.”

Pope is a newcomer to the international scene having only been called into his first squad in March, and he said he is relishing every minute of his time with England.

“I’ve really enjoyed it, it’s been really good,” he added. “It’s a great squad to be around on and off the pitch. It’s quality.

“Since I came in to the set-up in March I’ve just been trying to get used to new training techniques. I’ve been training with top quality players so it’s been enjoyable.

“I’ve come in to a new group of people, a new group of players, so everything has been new to me.

“It’s been on another level and it doesn’t get any harder than England. To be in and around this level, it’s great for me.

“I always want to play, whether that’s with my club or while I’m away with England. I’m always looking to play and I always prepare as though I’m playing.”