Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in unfair battle, says journalist
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is facing an unfair battle for the England number one shirt, according to journalist David Hughes.
The 27-year-old has been Gareth Southgate’s first choice between the sticks for over three years, but now faces competition from Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, who made his senior debut against San Marino on Monday.
Ramsdale has been in impressive form for the Gunners this season, leading many people to call for him to overtake Pickford in the England pecking order.
However, writing for the Liverpool Echo, Hughes suggested that “recency bias” was the main reason for the clamour around Ramsdale.
He highlighted how Pickford faces more shots and a higher xG-against per shot average in the Premier League than Ramsdale, meaning he has a harder job to do than the Arsenal shot stopper.
Meanwhile, he claims that Ramsdale playing for “one of the league’s most in-form sides” has contributed towards his surge in popularity and hopes that Southgate takes that into consideration when selecting his team.
A difference in thinking
An intriguing battle awaits between Pickford and Ramsdale in the lead up to the 2022 World Cup, but Hughes is right to point out that perhaps there is a difference between public opinion and Southgate’s own decision-making.
The England boss has never been one to give into fan pressure and has shown loyalty to a number of his longer-serving players including Pickford, so it is probably fair to say the shirt remains his to lose for now.
Furthermore, Ramsdale is only 23 years old so Southgate will look to ease him into the England setup as he has done with other younger players.
That said, if the former Sheffield United goalkeeper can sustain his form for the rest of the season and prove that he is not just enjoying a purple patch, the decision will become a lot more difficult for Southgate.
Pickford has always raised his game for England, but perhaps with serious competition for his place, his performances will improve for Everton too.
In other Everton news, a Toffees coach has heaped praise on one of the team’s breakthrough stars.
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