Nick Pope insists he isn’t getting caught up in talk about challenging to be England’s No.1 after his first international start against Kosovo.

The Burnley goalkeeper made his full debut in the final Euro 2020 qualifier in Pristina as Gareth Southgate’s side ran out 4-0 winners.

It was a second cap for the 27-year-old with Jordan Pickford given the night off after the Three Lions sealed their spot in the finals with a 7-0 victory over Montenegro at Wembley.

Now Pope will be looking to push the Everton shot-stopper between now and next summer but maintains that while it remains a long-term aim, it is not top of his agenda right now.

“I don’t think there’s too much to think about,” he told the BBC.  

“If you think too deep into those shorts of things you get carried away with yourself I think and get caught up in something you can’t affect.

“Day in, day out you’ve just got to put your own work in and from now until March I’ll be concentrating on Burnley.

“That’s all I’ve got coming up until the next international games.

“Obviously I’d love to be England No.1 and to play with my name on my shirt and the No.1 underneath it, it’s the stuff dreams are made of.”

Pope found out in advance that he would be getting the nod meaning there was plenty of last-minute arrangements to sort.

“I knew a couple of days ago, just in the afternoon,” he said post-match.

“A mad rush ensued of booking my family on flights and getting hotels sorted.

“There was a massive smile on my face when I got the call and told I was playing. To be able to share that with my family is extra special.”

It has been 17 months between caps for a player who only made the move up from non-league football eight years ago.

Pope came on as a second half substitute in a World Cup warm-up friendly against Costa Rica in June 2018, only for serious shoulder injury to stall his progress on his return to Turf Moor.

“It feels like a long time ago, so much has happened since,” he said.

“On a personal level with my injury and everything like that, to play from the start and to play in a competitive fixture as well, it’s another level for myself.

“I’m just unbelievably proud.”

Goals from Harry Winks, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount saw England to victory on what was a relatively routine evening for Pope.

Florent Hadergjonaj twice tested him while the ‘keeper was also called into action by a header from Sheffield Wednesday striker Atdhe Nuhiu.

“They’ve shown in both games that they’ve got quality in their team,” said Pope.

“I’m sure they will only grow over the next few years as they stay together longer.

“We knew coming here it was going to be a difficult game. It was a fantastic atmosphere to play in and we got a fantastic reception.

“It was almost a bit weird for an away game but it was great to be part of and I’m sure no-one will want to draw them in any qualifiers coming up.”