Nick Pope has revealed that dealing with a serious injury last season was the toughest period of his career, mentally as well as physically.

On World Mental Health Day, the goalkeeper opened up on how a dislocated shoulder in the build-up to EURO 2024 affected him and the methods he used to deal with it.

He said: "Last season was very difficult. The hardest thing about being a footballer is when you can't play.

"You have to learn a new routine. Your work has gone from football and training to getting treatment and going for scans with doctors and specialists. You have to throw yourself into it.

"It's a privilege to play professional football and we're extremely lucky to be in the position we are in, playing in front of a lot of people whose happiness depends on the result.

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"We get fantastic support so we have to remember how lucky we are in the tough times. Throwing yourself into whatever comes along, even if you're injured, is important."

Pope believes talking about mental health is becoming a more comfortable conversation to have in the modern era, with players and coaches aware that being open with how they feel is key.

He said: "There is definitely more awareness around mental health in the world and obviously football as well.

"I think footballers are happy to talk about the fact that even though we're very lucky to be in the position we're in, everyone has their own struggles and go through things in their lives.

"Whoever you are, life can be difficult at times. It's OK to be open about that."