Everton: Darren Bent namechecks Jordan Pickford in best-ever England argument
Darren Bent has named Everton star Jordan Pickford in his top three England goalkeepers of all time, but Andy Goldstein was quick to disagree.
The shot-stopper has accumulated 58 caps for his country since being handed his England debut in 2015, becoming a mainstay in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
In light of Hart’s shock announcement that he would be retiring at the end of the season, conversation sparked on talkSPORT over which ‘keepers could take the top spot in history.
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Thursday (22 February, 5:14pm), Bent said: “In my era of goalkeepers, for England, I would say David Seaman is in there, Joe Hart and Pickford. Pickford is my number one, but it’s a flip of a coin, with Seaman second, then Hart.
“People will pick holes in it with Pickford, but I just cannot think of a bad moment.”
Andy Goldstein argued against Pickford, stating: “Ray Clemence, for my money. He’s the greatest-ever England goalkeeper. He won Champions Leagues at Liverpool and European Cups.”
Jordan Pickford has been England mainstay for several years
Considering what Pickford has given for his country over the years, there is certainly an argument to be made for the Everton man to be in the running for best-ever England ‘keeper.
Several England goalkeepers have won more than the Toffees shot-stopper at domestic level, as Goldstein highlighted, but few players have given more for their country.
Pickford has overcome torrents of abuse over several years, from club and country, but that has not stopped him from doing his very best every time he steps onto the pitch.
The 29-year-old has been one of the best ‘keepers in the Premier League this season, even despite the threat of relegation at Goodison Park, currently leading the Golden Glove race, alongside Arsenal’s David Raya.
Age will definitely have played a factor in Bent’s decision to name Pickford as his number one of all time, but it is difficult to argue against the opinion, whether you agree with Goldstein or not.
In other Everton news, Gary Lineker has made a new Jarrad Branthwaite prediction ahead of the summer transfer window
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