Everton keeper Pickford’s ‘England future in major doubt’ after Tuchel comments
Jordan Pickford has been a shining light for Everton over the last few years, and has firmly established himself as England’s main goalkeeper.
Pickford is a hugely popular figure at Everton and has been consistently brilliant since he joined from Sunderland in 2017.
The England number one has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, and is also a leader on and off the pitch for David Moyes’ side.
However, Pickford may now find his starting place for England in jeopardy, which could negatively impact his Everton future.
Thomas Tuchel hints at Pickford to leave Everton
New England manager Thomas Tuchel is now assessing his squad ahead of the World Cup next year, and has made some bizarre comments regarding Pickford.
Speaking before England’s clash with Andorra, Tuchel claimed that it would be “ideal” if his players, including Pickford who he namechecked, were featuring in European competition next season, in order to prepare for the tournament.
| Stat | Pickford |
| Appearances | 38 |
| Conceded | 44 |
| Clean sheets | 12 |
England’s other options include Dean Henderson, who could be playing in Europe for Crystal Palace, and James Trafford, who may join Champions League side Newcastle United this summer.
While he is at Everton, Pickford will not be featuring in Europe next season, and this may indicate that he needs to move to retain his number one spot for the World Cup.
Pickford deserves to keep England spot
Pickford had another top-class season at Everton, with Moyes building one of the best defences in the Premier League in the second half of the season.
There is no England goalkeeper who has more experience, both domestically and in international tournaments, than Pickford, and dropping him would be a mistake.
Pickford has 75 England caps to his name, and has helped England reach two Euro finals, while being reliable between the sticks.
Dropping him because his side are not competing in Europe would be unfair on Pickford, and Everton will be furious if this becomes a dramatic saga and potentially leads to him forcing a move to keep his England spot.
Pickford has featured in two World Cups and two European Championship tournaments with England, and there is simply no reason for Tuchel to change option now.