It's high time we give England's goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, the credit he deserves. While he may not always be the most talked-about player in the team, his consistency and performance have been nothing short of remarkable. In my opinion, Pickford has been a pillar of strength for both Everton and the national team, and his contributions have often been overlooked.
One thing that immediately stands out is the fact that Pickford has been a model of consistency. In the last two league seasons, he has posted an impressive clean sheet record, second only to David Raya, the keeper with Premier League champions Arsenal. This is a testament to his reliability and ability to keep his team's defense solid. What many people don't realize is that Pickford's performance has been even more impressive when you consider the teams he's played for. While Raya has the advantage of playing for a top-tier team, Pickford has had to contend with the challenges of playing for Everton, a team that has often struggled in recent years.
Pickford's performance for England has been equally impressive. In his 89 England games, he has conceded 59 goals and kept 44 clean sheets while making only two errors that have led to goals, according to Opta statistics. This is a remarkable achievement, and it's clear that Pickford has earned his place as England's first-choice goalkeeper. What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that Pickford has been a consistent performer in major tournaments. Since the 2018 World Cup, where England lost in the semi-final to Croatia, Pickford has been a key player for the team. His experience and ability to perform under pressure have been invaluable.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes that Pickford's contribution has been undervalued. He told BBC Sport that Pickford has been under-appreciated for both Everton and England, given the numbers he's posting and the games he's playing. Robinson also noted that Pickford's experience and tournament caps are crucial, as they provide him with a level of maturity and confidence that is essential for a goalkeeper.
Pickford's performance in the World Cup has been a highlight of his career. In the pressure cooker of the Azteca, he had his finest game for England, with two brilliant first-half saves from Mexico striker Raul Jimenez, followed by an outstanding display of penalty-area command in a frantic second period. His performance against Mexico was a testament to his bravery and maturity, and it showed how much he has evolved as a goalkeeper.
In my view, Pickford's performance against Mexico was a turning point for England. It gave the team a much-needed boost in confidence, and it showed that they have a goalkeeper who can step up in big games. This is especially important as England tries to overcome the dangerous Norwegians and master striker Erling Haaland, who demonstrated their threat by beating Brazil 2-0 in the last 16.
One thing that many people don't realize is that Pickford's performance against Mexico was not just a one-off. It was a continuation of a trend that has seen him consistently perform at a high level. This is a testament to his dedication and hard work, and it shows that he is a goalkeeper who can be relied upon in the biggest games.
In conclusion, Jordan Pickford is a goalkeeper who has earned his place in the England team through his consistency and performance. His contributions have often been overlooked, but his impact on the team cannot be denied. As a nation, we should be proud to have a goalkeeper of his caliber, and I believe that Pickford's best is yet to come.
