Jordan Pickford tipped to start for England v Ukraine despite poor Everton start
Jordan Pickford has been tipped to keep his place in the England starting lineup against Ukraine today despite the poor start to the season for Everton.
Writing on his personal Twitter account (9 September), The Telegraph journalist Matt Law named his predicted England lineup for Saturday afternoon’s Euro 2024 qualifying clash.
Despite growing pressure for Aaron Ramsdale to take the number one shirt after his form for Arsenal though, Gareth Southgate looks set to stick with his trusted goalkeeper with Pickford between the sticks.
Loyalty
It’s good from Southgate that he is showing some great loyalty towards his number one, because Pickford has never let him down in an England shirt.
Since he took over the number one shirt, Pickford has been as reliable as anyone and made some huge saves in an England shirt while helping the team reach the World Cup semi-final, Euro 2020 final and then another World Cup quarter-final too.
His form for Everton has been good and he could easily head to one of the big six clubs and claim a starting spot with his ability and quality, but he has instead decided to be loyal to the Toffees.
He shouldn’t be punished for the team’s poor form and his individual performances prove that he is still at the top of his game.
It would be easy for Southgate to drop him and bring in Ramsdale, but he is doing the right thing by sticking with Pickford even though his club’s form isn’t the best because he is still the best goalkeeper this country has.
In other Everton news, two stars spotted back in training ahead of PL clash with Arsenal.