Of Martin Graham
Jordan Pickford’s state as England The first -choice goalkeeper remains firm, despite Thomas Tuchel’s comments that competition for places is “very open”.
The 31 year old Everton Star must present his 79th appearance for the national team in the Thursday’s friendly Wales. If you have another clean sheet, you will exceed the record you are currently sharing with Gordon Banks of seven consecutive descents for the three lions.
Although many of these recent clean sheets were classified, Pickford’s impact at the decisive moments of the tournament has been established for some time, both open and during penalty shots.
Technique, reflexes and distribution
Pickford’s style of play has often attracted scrutiny. The ex -Sporter of England, Rob Green, pointed out some topics in his fixed position, such as his hands falling unusually low before shots, but emphasized that his effectiveness exceeds technical peculiarities. “You can dissect your focus throughout the day, but what matters is that it saves,” Green said.
Paul Robinson highlighted Pickford’s progress with the ball at his feet, next to his brand launch mark. He praised Everton Man’s ability to launch counterattacks precisely and described his general game as one that has evolved through self -knowledge and constant improvement.
Temperament and maturity
At the beginning of his career, Pickford’s visible intensity and emotions were often considered as possible distractions. Wayne Rooney once compared her agitation unfavorably to the composition of Edwin Van der Sar at Manchester United.
Theo Walcott, however, believes that Pickford has remained with age, noting that the goalkeeper is no longer forced to inject drama into quiet matches. His calmer presence, suggested Walcott, sets out the tone for the defense of England.
Green added that Pickford’s vocal nature is still integral to his game. After years of consistent performances, he argued that the goalkeeper has shown his method: “People used to moan when they started shouting, but maybe they knew exactly what they did.”
Reliable for club and country
Pickford has reduced the club’s level errors in recent seasons, and this consistency has long been visible when it represents England. Has kept the clean sheets in half of its international appearance Belgium In March 2024, since its debut in 2017.
Green noted the increase in the matches of the League of Competitive Nations as another factor in its coherence, and said that Pickford now plays behind the most installed alignments in the national team matches. His ability to manage heavy workloads in Everton also accelerated his development, helping both the club and the country.
Mentality and leadership
Robinson, who was headed 41 times between 2003 and 2007, emphasized Pickford’s mental resilience. The goalkeepers of England face intense scrutiny, but Pickford has not only supported criticism, but also silenced. His authoritarian presence for Everton, especially on one side, has been another key factor behind his longevity as number one in England.
Since joining the Mima de Mima in 2017, for a British record of £ 30 million, Pickford has reached 300 appearances in the Premier League. He recently presented discussions on the extension of his contract, which is currently being developed until 2027.
Walcott admitted that he had hoped that Pickford would look for champions’ league football at some point, but said that his loyalty reflects a strong character and awareness that the remaining headline supports his international ambitions.
Clear hierarchy ahead of the World Cup
Tuchel has talked about competition among goalkeepers, but the current team in England indicates otherwise. Dean Henderson and James Trafford They are the closest Pickford challenging while Nick pope and Aaron Ramsdale They are more on the list: It is not the first option at the club level and Pope has not participated in any of the Tuchel teams.
For Walcott and Rooney, the presence and pedigree of the Pickford tournament differentiated it. Rooney called him “little appreciated”, noting his crucial role in the deep races of England in the 2018 World Cup and euros in 2021 and 2024.
With only two international windows left before the World Cup, Green believes that the order is established: Pickford Leads and the rest follows.
Beyond debate
Robinson concluded that the lack of argument on the position is Pickford’s excellence. He compared the situation to the time of David Seaman, when the initial place was indisputable.
With 78 caps, multiple tournaments and maturity improvement, Pickford’s name is still the first on the England team sheet. Although Henderson enjoys a season of strong clubs and can face in the future, Robinson said that there is currently no reason to consider change.
