Sky Sports pundit makes Jordan Pickford point every Everton fan can finally get on board with
Jordan Pickford has grown into an Everton and England great since his move from Sunderland in 2017.
With over 300 appearances for the Toffees, Pickford has amassed a portfolio of superb moments while wearing the Everton shirt.
The goalkeeper has started this season in fine form too, conceding just three goals in three games so far, with one of those coming from the penalty spot.
Pickford is now set for a new contract at Everton, with the 31-year-old set to celebrate a decade in blue in 2027.
And a record could be up for grabs, with Pickford needing 75 more Premier League appearances to take Seamus Coleman’s record for the competition at Everton.
Mark Schwarzer says England number one is Jordan Pickford’s “position to lose”
Pickford’s position as England number one has been questioned throughout his time playing for the Three Lions.
The goalkeeper made his debut in 2017 and quickly became Gareth Southgate’s preferred option, despite the challenge from the likes of Nick Pope.
And the years since have seen the 31-year-old step up time after time, saving key penalties and making huge saves at crucial moments for his country.
The questions have persisted nevertheless, and Thomas Tuchel’s appointment has seen a fresh round of debate over England’s goalkeeper.
Indeed, it has almost become a running joke among Everton fans that Pickford will be questioned ahead of every international break.
Mark Schwarzer has rejected claims that Pickford should be dropped, however, in a verdict Everton fans will get fully behind.
“I think because of the combination of now playing well for his club but also every time he’s played for his country, Jordan Pickford has played well,” the former Fulham goalkeeper told Sky Sports News on Friday.
“Therefore he is the one who is the number one; it’s his position to lose. And I think there are so many question marks around other positions in the side that I think for Thomas Tuchel it’s a case of ‘well, he’s done really well, every time for England he’s done well, so that position at the moment is sorted.'”
Jordan Pickford’s England role should not be in question
The latest challenger to Pickford’s position in goal for England appears to be Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a strong season for the Eagles, but there should really be no debate between the goalkeepers.
Pickford vastly outperformed Henderson’s save percentage in the Premier League last season, boasting an impressive 82.5 per cent compared to the latter’s 48.1 per cent.
And the goalkeeper provides a better post-shot expected goals minus goals against score, too, indicating a strong ability to save the shots the average goalkeeper would not be expected to.
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