Levi Rothermund
Jordan Pickford: why England’s No. 1 is rarely in doubt
Thomas Tuchel may have warned that “the race is on” for England’s goalkeeping spot, but for now Jordan Pickford looks untouchable. The 31-year-old Everton keeper has become the obvious first choice for the Three Lions, blending shot‑stopping, long distribution and a combative presence that opponents and team-mates respect.
Record run and big-game pedigree
Pickford will set a new England record if he wins his 79th cap against Wales and keeps a clean sheet in that friendly — eclipsing the run of seven consecutive shut-outs he already shares with Gordon Banks. He has been central to England runs to the 2018 World Cup semi-final and the European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024.
What the former keepers see
Rob Green pointed out that, technically, Pickford is not flawless. Still, that hasn’t stopped him making the saves that matter.
“I remember having a talk with Marge (Martyn Margetson, England’s former goalkeeping coach) about Pickford and asking him if, technically, he is that much better than everyone else? Possibly not, and he has his own flaws and his own idiosyncrasies, like every goalkeeper has.
“When he is facing a shot, he drops his hands wide and low behind himself, and puts one hand up slightly before the other. There are oddities in his set position, in that he is slightly out of sync, but you can unpick his style all you like because what matters is that he makes the save.”
Paul Robinson emphasises the areas where Pickford has genuinely developed — feet and passing — while praising his long-range distribution.
“He has definitely improved his all-round play with his feet. Where Jordan has always been strong is with his long distribution and his ability to start a counter-attack – there are not many better than him at that in the Premier League.
“He can kick it accurately for absolutely miles in a similar way I used to do, and as a goalkeeper you enjoy that. The game has changed now, but he is still able to play out with shorter passes from the back too.”
Temperament: loud, but useful
Pickford’s on-pitch emotion is part of his brand. Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott both say that, as he has matured, the intensity has become an asset rather than a liability.
“Jordan has calmed down a lot – I just think he has got a bit more mature,” Walcott said. “Earlier in his career there were times I played with him where it felt like if he was bored in the game he thought he had to do something, just to feel like he was involved.
“Now, though, I think he actually doesn’t mind taking a step back because he understands that it starts with the goalkeeper and if he is calm, it helps the back four to be calm and the rest of the team too.”
Rob Green defended the noise Pickford makes on the field.
“Jordan literally makes his own noise at times but he has reached a point with every aspect of his game where he has proved it has worked for him – so who are we to question it now?”
Consistency, mistakes and context
Since his England debut in 2017 Pickford has kept clean sheets in 50% of his appearances and — aside from a poor clearance against Belgium in March 2024 — has only one error that led directly to a goal. That kind of reliability matters at international level, and former professionals give him credit for dealing with criticism and pressure.
“The criticism that he had in the past is just not there anymore,” Robinson said. “When you play for England, you come under huge scrutiny whenever a goal goes in and you have to deal with the noise – but Jordan has done more than that, he has silenced it.”
Part of Pickford’s consistency comes from playing behind strong, settled England sides as well as from an improved focus at club level.
Everton, contract and club form
Pickford joined Everton from Sunderland in June 2017 for £30m, then a British record for a goalkeeper. He has made more than 300 Premier League appearances for the club and has opened talks to extend a contract that is due to run until 2027.
The decision to remain at Everton through transfer speculation has drawn praise. Walcott noted that Pickford has at times had chances to move for Champions League football but stayed, underlining his commitment and character.
Who can displace him?
Tuchel’s message that every position is contested applies to goalkeepers too. Dean Henderson, 28, and James Trafford, 22, were named in a recent England squad alongside Pickford. Nick Pope, 33, and Aaron Ramsdale, 27, are also part of the wider conversation, though neither has forced Pickford out of favour.
“I don’t think any of them have got the same presence as Jordan, who is not just England’s best goalkeeper now, he’s one of the best goalkeepers we have ever had,” Walcott said.
Rob Green was blunt about the pecking order: “It is Pickford, and then the others.” Robinson added that the debate about England’s No. 1 feels settled for the first time in years.
“This is the first time in a long time that there isn’t a debate about who should be England’s number one, which is credit to him because he has been superb,” Robinson told BBC Sport.
Conclusion
Pickford combines reflexes, range and a voice that organises and energises his defence. He is not perfect, but his record for England and his performances in high-pressure moments make a strong case: for now, England’s No. 1 is clear.