NICK Pope believes England's World Cup goalkeepers are pushing each other to new heights after the Burnley stopper made his debut for the Three Lions in Thursday night's friendly victory over Costa Rica.

The Turf Moor man replaced Jack Butland for the final 25 minutes at Elland Road for his first taste of international football.

It caps a remarkable rise for the 26-year-old who only made his Premier League debut in September when replacing the injured Tom Heaton against Crystal Palace.

Pope went on to have a superb season for the Clarets, keeping 11 top flight clean sheets and sweeping the board at the club's awards night.

That form catapulted him into England contention and, after being on the bench for each of Gareth Southgate's side's last three friendlies, earned his first cap off the bench against Costa Rica.

The Burnley man had precious little to do with England in control but he gave a calm and composed performance and made one smart, if routine, save at his near post from Ronald Matarrita in the final minutes.

Pope will travel to Russia as third choice keeper with Jordan Pickford expected to start the opening game of the tournament against Russia.

But the Burnley man is delighted to be making the journey with his debut under his belt and had praise for his goalkeeping rivals, which has also included clubmate Tom Heaton who is on the standby list for the World Cup.

"When you come off the bench as a goalkeeper, for the boys in front (on the pitch) it is important you show confidence, so I was pleased," Pope said of his debut.

"I had a heads-up that I would play some part so it was nice to prepare myself mentally and get ready to go.

"That (goalkeeper rivalry) helps push us all to be better and that's the way it should be. That's what's best for the England national team and us as individuals.

"It's great to have that rivalry between us and the competition that there is."

England begin their World Cup Group G campaign against Tunisia on June 18 before games against Panama and Belgium.