Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope will miss the Euros with a knee injury.

In a major blow for Pope and England manager Gareth Southgate just days before he names his 26-man squad, it has emerged that the Burnley star requires an operation on a knee issue that is set to see him sidelined for at least around four to five weeks.

The setback means Southgate will be without the stopper who started England’s three games during the March international break in the injury absence of first choice Jordan Pickford.

Pope had been dogged by the problem in the closing weeks of this season.

It was hoped that rest would allow him to overcome the injury.

But after further tests and scans on his knee ahead of Burnley’s final game against Sheffield United it was discovered that Pope will have to go under the knife with an operation now pencilled in for this week.

Pope was part of England’s World Cup 2018 squad and has won seven caps for his country, becoming the first goalkeeper to keep clean sheets in each of his first six games for his country.

His absence will open the door for West Brom’s Sam Johnstone who earned his first Three Lions call up for the March internationals.

The Baggies 'keeper has not made his senior debut but has previously played for the U21s. 

Southampton's Alex McCarthy could be another option. The 31-year-old has one international cap, with Southgate giving him his debut in a 3-0 friendly win over the United States in 2018.

However, the Saints' shot-stopper has not been guaranteed a starting spot for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side in the last few months with five appearances in the last 12 games.

Southgate names his squad for the tournament on Tuesday.