Jordan Pickford: The Unsung Hero of England's Goalkeeping
The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and with it, the spotlight shines on one of England's most reliable and consistent goalkeepers, Jordan Pickford. While his name may not be a household favorite, his contributions to Everton and the national team are undeniable, and it's time we give him the credit he deserves.
Pickford's performance in the Premier League speaks for itself. In the last two seasons, he has recorded an impressive 23 clean sheets, second only to David Raya, the keeper for Premier League champions Arsenal. This consistency is a testament to his skill and dedication, and it's a stat that should not be overlooked.
But it's not just his numbers that make Pickford a standout. In his 89 England games, he has conceded 59 goals and kept 44 clean sheets, with only two errors leading to goals, as measured by Opta statistics. These numbers are even more impressive when you consider the competition he faces. Pickford has been England's first-choice tournament keeper since the 2018 World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals, and his experience in these high-pressure situations is invaluable.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, a veteran of the game, believes Pickford's contribution has been undervalued. He told BBC Sport, "I think he has been under-appreciated for Everton and England when you look at the numbers he's posting, the games he is playing, and the number of clean sheets he has. He is only second behind David Raya in the last two seasons for clean sheets, and they are playing for very different teams. With England, you look at his experience, the way he has gone deep into tournaments. I always talk about competitive caps, but he has lots of tournament caps, which is so important."
Robinson's words highlight a key aspect of Pickford's game. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his experience in tournaments are invaluable assets for any team. When Thomas Tuchel was appointed England coach, there was a school of thought that he was unconvinced by Pickford, but, as with his predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate, he has been his undisputed number one. This decision has been justified by Pickford's consistent performances and his ability to step up in big games.
One of the most impressive displays of Pickford's talent came in the match against Mexico. In the pressure cooker of the Azteca, Pickford had his finest game for England, with two brilliant first-half saves from Mexico striker Raul Jimenez, followed by an outstanding display of penalty-area command in a frantic second period. His performance was a testament to his bravery and maturity, and it showed the way his game has developed by coming off his line, making bold decisions, and taking the initiative.
Pickford's Mexico masterclass can bolster England's confidence as they try to overcome the dangerous Norwegians and master striker Erling Haaland, who demonstrated their threat by beating Brazil 2-0 in the last 16. With Pickford's confidence at an all-time high and the team's morale soaring, England is in a strong position to make a deep run in the tournament. Robinson added, "I think Jordan Pickford's confidence will be at an all-time high, and the team's will be as well after their win against Mexico. I questioned them on air when Thomas Tuchel went to a back five after 71 minutes. I wasn't sure they would hang on, and that would have been a stick he would have been beaten with. It did go right, and Jordan Pickford was a big part of it going right."
In conclusion, Jordan Pickford is a goalkeeper who has earned his place as a cornerstone of England's team. His consistency, experience, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations make him a valuable asset, and it's time we recognize his contributions as the unsung hero of England's goalkeeping.
