Sky Sports pundit stunned by Everton star Jordan Pickford live on air today
Mark Schwarzer believes that Everton star Jordan Pickford has reaffirmed himself as England’s number one goalkeeper with his “very best” form this season.
In addition to the Everton player, Schwarzer was discussing the merits of Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Newcastle United’s Nick Pope in the contest to be Gareth Southgate’s first choice for the national team.
The former Premier League keeper stated that he has been impressed by all three contenders this season but due to his ongoing form, Pickford deserves to retain his status as the main man between the posts.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News on Wednesday (12 April), as shared on their website, Schwarzer feels that Pickford’s track record under Southgate is a key reason why he retains his place.
“I actually think all three of them have performed very well this season. I think Jordan Pickford is probably getting back to his very best form”, he said.
“I think he went through a very shaky period of around 18 months and there were question marks as to if he should be England’s number one.
“He has reaffirmed that, at the moment, and the fact that he goes into the England side and never makes a mistake is enough for Gareth Southgate and he has proven in the past that he is prepared to stick by him.”
Club form, country confidence
The former Premier League stalwart and Australia international is right to highlight the prominence of Pickford for England, through what has been a period of ups and downs at Goodison Park.
There is a strong argument to suggest that the former Sunderland man has benefited from his exposure to the top level international game, club form borne from country confidence.
Despite the Toffees’ struggles at the bottom of the Premier League in recent times, Pickford has proven his quality and that has been rewarded by the faith repaid in him by the national team boss.
The 29-year old will need to maintain his consistency if he is to see off the challenge posed by Ramsdale and Pope, in what is a healthy state of affairs for England.
That overlap will also have a positive impact for Everton and Sean Dyche with the recent contract extension securing Pickford’s future on Merseyside until 2027.
In other Everton news, one club may have already found their replacement as the Toffees want to snatch striker