Daniel Feliciano

Sun 20 November 2022 15:04, UK

Darren Bent wants Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to keep his place in the England side at the World Cup, despite calls for him to be dropped for Aaron Ramsdale.

Pickford has been the first-choice goalkeeper for England ever since Gareth Southgate took charge as manager, but has come under pressure for his place in the side with Arsenal flying at the top of the league and Ramsdale in fine form for them.

But when asked to name his England team to play against Iran in the opening game on Monday (21 November), Bent told talkSPORT that it would be “harsh” to drop Pickford as he’s never done anything wrong for England despite Ramsdale being better.

“Pickford has never let England down,” he said live on talkSPORT.

“I’d pick Pickford, yeah. Listen, Ramsdale I think is the better goalkeeper but because Pickford for England has been brilliant.

“It would be harsh to leave him out when he’s been as good as he’s been for England.”

No doubts

There’s no doubting that Ramsdale has had a terrific season for Arsenal, as has Nick Pope for Newcastle. But Pickford has been very good for Everton too, despite our not-so successful campaign so far.

Everton are struggling domestically for results, but until recently we had the best defensive record in the entire Premier League and Pickford’s excellent form was a big reason for that.

England struggled in their most recent outings with Pope in goal when Pickford was injured during the last break, and as Bent said, he’s not done anything that warrants him being left out of the side.

You can make an argument for all three goalkeepers starting during the World Cup considering their form, but only one of them has ever performed at this level before and that’s our man.

He must keep himself in the side and continue to perform to prove to everyone that he is as good as he and the fans believe him to be, and that number one shirt is still his to lose for the foreseeable future.