The former York City goalkeeper qualifies for the Champions League

A 0-0 draw with Leicester City meant Newcastle secured a place in the top four in the Premier League this season, meaning Toon Champions League football awaits.

Pope played a crucial role between the posts and believes the club are “up to the mark”.

The 1m90 goalkeeper played for York in the 2013/14 Sky Bet League Two season and made 22 appearances during his time with the Minstermen.

After a worrying start to the season, Pope’s impact on Charlton Athletic on loan ensured City ended the season strong and in a play-off position before losing to Fleetwood Town in the semi-finals.

Pope has since built an incredible career, being a fixture in the England squad and playing for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.

Speaking to the Newcastle media team, Pope was enthusiastic about her EURO qualification: “It’s all we’ve been working on since we met in July. Lots of hard work, lots of effort, lots of days together and time spent together on and off the field.

“It’s just the combination of all the work that goes into it. Obviously we were in a good position going into tonight and deserved it, but we had to get across the finish line and we’re there purely on the basis of our performance.”

“It was great, we had great consistency with the four that were in front of me and they looked after me so well.”

“I think we’re getting better and better week by week, we play for each other and when there’s five of us it’s not always easy when that happens.”

“We really learned from and thrived on each other.”