Sky Sports reporter hints Everton ace Jordan Pickford may not start in England v Scotland clash
England boss Gareth Southgate may be tempted not to start Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford against Scotland, according to Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett.
Pickford has been a mainstay between the sticks for Southgate, but Dorsett hinted that he may look at other options for the friendly (in name only) clash against Steve Clarke’s side at Hampden Park on Tuesday (12 September).
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale would be the most likely option to get some game time for his country, though Crystal Palace stopper Sam Johnstone is another alternative.
Speaking on Sky Sports on Monday (11 September, 12:23pm), Dorsett said: “We know that Jordan Pickford is first choice, but Aaron Ramsdale has travelled with England an awful lot and not had many opportunities.
“From Ramsdale’s perspective, he’s not had many opportunities. This might be a good chance for Southgate to see him in action, or even Johnstone.
“Three top-quality goalkeepers, and Southgate has always stuck with Pickford. Now might be an opportunity for that to change.”
A welcome break
Giving Jordan Pickford the night off would not be the worst idea in the world, especially if you are an Everton fan.
Pickford has been an excellent servant to the national team, and particularly to Southgate. He has always stood up to the rigours of international football and been an important figure in camp.
It does make sense to test out your other options, though, just in case an injury were to occur to Pickford further down the line. Ramsdale, or indeed Johnstone, would get some much-needed international minutes and, while it may be a friendly, there is nothing ever friendly when Scotland host England.
For Everton fans, it would mean Pickford gets a decent little break before returning to Premier League action with the Toffees, who are next playing at home to Arsenal on Sunday (17 September).
For all concerned, this would seem a pretty sensible idea, let’s see how it transpires.
In other Everton news, Arnaut Danjuma was full of praise for Amadou Onana after what he did for Belgium.