Pope was called up by the Three Lions' interim boss Lee Carsley on Thursday ahead of their UEFA Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September.

It is the 32-year-old’s first call up since he was part of England’s 2022 World Cup squad, with the last of his ten caps coming earlier that year.

And having overcome the shoulder injury which sidelined him for a chunk of last season, Pope paid tribute to the backroom staff who helped him recover and reclaim his place in the United goal, where his impressive displays prompted Carsley to include him.

"I'm delighted. It's obviously been a long road - it's been a while since I've been in it," he told newcastleunited.com. "I want to give massive credit to all the physios and sport science staff here who gave me the opportunity to be back on the pitch and in good shape, so big credit and thanks goes to them.

"It's early in the season now, but I feel like I've started the season well. It's still really early days, but I feel probably the strongest I've ever felt in my career and my body feels in a really good place, so I'm happy to hit the ground running.

"I think you just concentrate on your club football, because that's what helps you get there - it's kind of a product of doing well. I always concentrate on that, and then you kind of hope it's enough really, I suppose. It's nice to be back in."

Pope made his England debut in 2018 while at Burnley, and since his move to St. James' Park in 2022 he has picked up his ninth and tenth caps for the Three Lions.

And, having undergone a lengthy rehabilitation process following the injury he suffered against Manchester United in December which culminated in him retaking his spot between the posts in May, Pope is glad to see plenty of hard work result in his return to the international fold.

"I don't think doing anything in the gym really gets you in the England squad, or doing stuff when you're injured, as much as playing. But it gives you the opportunity to be in a good place, to perform, and that's what I feel like the staff have given me the opportunity to do.

"I'm thankful to pay back their time that they've put into me and their efforts, and put in the performances to get back in.

"I've got a few England caps but you want to build and see how many you can get and obviously have an opportunity in the team to show that you can make a difference and perform well at that level, so I'm looking forward to what the next break brings.

"Any time you go away with England you want to impress, and you know that you're fighting to be part of the team. Obviously it's a new manager, a fresh sheet, so it's always important to have good first impressions. I'm looking forward to working with Lee for the first time, and his staff."

Pope is joined in the England squad by club teammates Anthony Gordon, who featured for the Three Lions at EURO 2024 this summer, and Tino Livramento, who has been called up to the senior side for the first time.

"It's thoroughly deserved - I'm delighted for Tino, with it being his first camp," said Pope. "I'm happy that I'll get to be there and support him in whatever he needs.

"It's always a little bit intimidating going into your first camp, so I'm glad I'll be there to help him out a little bit. It's thoroughly deserved with his performance levels."

The stopper will link up with Carsley's side after Sunday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at St. James' Park.

His inclusion comes on the back of a solid start to the season in goal for Eddie Howe's men, with Pope becoming the first Newcastle United goalkeeper to win two penalty shoot-outs with the club when United edged past Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday night.

"I didn't know that, but I'll take it - in the record books!" he laughed. "They missed the target last night, which I was thankful for, but I'm counting them as saves. We'll take it.

"When you win competitions, you're more than likely to have to go through at least one penalty shoot-out. We've got through one last night, the lads showed great composure, and fortunately for us we're through. It gives us a chance to go further."