Henry Winter shares verdict on Everton star Jordan Pickford’s position in England squad
Henry Winter has shared his verdict on Jordan Pickford’s position in the England squad, suggesting the Everton keeper will “clearly” start.
Sean Dyche’s number one has been Gareth Southgate’s preferred choice between the posts since he took over as Three Lions’ boss, with Pickford playing a crucial role in England’s success in Euro 2020 and the last two World Cups.
Some have called for the 29-year-old to be replaced given Everton’s recent struggles, but the Times’ Chief Football Writer, Winter believes that Pickford remains the clear first choice, despite being impressed by Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Speaking on talkSport (12 November, 10:25) he said: “Ramsdale should be in there because he’s been terrific for England, he’s an outstanding goalkeeper. I think he’s England’s number two, Arsenal fans might say he’s England’s number one.
“But Pickford clearly starts. Ramsdale number two as the first change. He’s never let England down, so he has to be in there.”
Clear number one
Pickford has had a difficult few years at Goodison Park, but he has stood up to the challenge as Everton have fought against Premier League relegation, producing a number of great individual performances to ensure the Toffees have avoided the drop.
Those performances have ensured that he has consistently remained England’s number one, even given the good form of Ramsdale for Arsenal and Nick Pope for Newcastle as both sides finished in the Champions League places last season.
There has been little this season to suggest that should change as Pickford has remained a steady pair of hands in the Toffees’ net and produced several spectacular saves, including his effort to deny Harvey Elliott in the Merseyside derby.
Away from Goodison, Ramsdale has seen his place taken by David Raya at the Emirates Stadium, while Pope has ultimately been left out of Southgate’s last few England squads having suffered a dip in form at St James’ Park.
It seems almost nailed on that Pickford will be England’s number one for the foreseeable future and will likely line up between the posts in Germany for Euro 2024 in what will be a proud moment for both the keeper and Everton supporters.
In other Everton news, Paul Brown has played down the chances of the Toffees matching Leeds’ £30 million asking price for Jack Harrison