Micah Richards delivers verdict on Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford
Micah Richards has delivered his verdict on Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford starting for England in their FIFA World Cup opener against Iran on Monday 21 November.
Pickford’s reign as England’s no.1 has been questioned by many recently, with Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Newcastle United’s Nick Pope both staking their claims.
Richard’s confessed he never understood the “debate” over whether Pickford should start the tournament for England despite the marmite taste he leaves in some fans’ mouths.
“I’ve never understood the debate about whether he should start a tournament. What has he ever done wrong for England?,” said Richards as quoted by Mail Sport.
“He has actually been a hero at times. I love him and have no doubts about him.
“He might be Marmite to some people but I like Jordan’s character. You need strong personalities in a successful group and that’s what he is.”
No doubts.
Pickford has to start for England in their FIFA World Cup opener against Iran and there should be absolutely no doubts about it.
The shot-stopper has been superb again this campaign on a whole and deserves to keep his spot as England’s go-to man between the sticks.
Nick Pope has also been decent for Newcastle but his stint for England in recent friendlies proved he doesn’t have the mentality quite yet to cope with a World Cup.
Pickford has the personality to command more from England’s defence and can be relied on when it comes down to the nitty and gritty of winning an international game.
He’s proved time and time again to be Everton’s saviour and was arguably the biggest reason as to why the club kept their Premier League status last season.
Hopefully, Southgate chooses the right man here, it would be almost ludicrous for him to start anyone else over the Everton man.