The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, and it's time to shine a spotlight on one of England's unsung heroes: goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Despite his remarkable performances, Pickford has often been overlooked, and it's high time we give him the credit he deserves.
Pickford's consistency at Everton and for the national team is unparalleled. In the last two Premier League seasons, he has recorded an impressive 23 clean sheets, second only to David Raya of Arsenal, who boasts 32 clean sheets. This stat alone speaks volumes about Pickford's ability to keep his team in the game.
His impact extends beyond the Premier League. In 89 international matches, Pickford has conceded 59 goals while maintaining 44 clean sheets. What's more, Opta statistics reveal that he has made only two errors leading to goals, a testament to his reliability and composure under pressure.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, a veteran of the game, has been vocal in his support for Pickford. Robinson believes that Pickford's contribution has been undervalued, especially when considering the numbers and the teams he plays for.
"He's only second behind David Raya in clean sheets over the last two seasons, and they play for very different clubs," Robinson told BBC Sport. "With England, his experience and tournament history are invaluable. He's been a consistent first-choice keeper since the 2018 World Cup, where we reached the semi-finals."
Robinson's faith in Pickford is evident, as he sees him as the clear number one choice for England's goalkeeping duties. "I think he's the first name on the team sheet," he said. "As a nation, we've entered major tournaments with a keeper who has a wealth of experience, while others have only a handful of caps."
Despite some early uncertainty under new manager Thomas Tuchel, Pickford has remained England's undisputed starting goalkeeper. His performance in the World Cup qualifier against DR Congo, where he was at fault for the first goal, was a reminder of his ability to bounce back from setbacks.
However, it was his display against Mexico that truly showcased his talent. Pickford's two brilliant first-half saves from Raul Jimenez were pivotal in keeping England in the game. In the second half, he demonstrated his penalty-area command, making life difficult for the Mexican forwards.
Robinson praised Pickford's bravery and maturity, noting his willingness to take the initiative by coming off his line and making bold decisions. "He showed the way his game has developed by coming off his line, making those decisions, making big bold calls," he said. "He doesn't mind what players are in front of him; he's played with different back fours and full-backs."
Pickford's performance against Mexico not only boosted England's confidence but also set them up for their upcoming match against Norway, featuring the formidable striker Erling Haaland. Robinson believes that Pickford's confidence will be at an all-time high, which is crucial for England's success in the tournament.
In conclusion, Jordan Pickford is a goalkeeper who embodies the spirit of resilience, consistency, and leadership. It's time for the football world to recognize his talent and give him the credit he deserves. As England looks to make a deep run in the 2026 World Cup, Pickford will undoubtedly be a key factor in their success.
