Jordan Pickford is still a controversial name despite being associated with the England national team for nearly a decade. However, the numbers and absolute belief from previous coaches show that the Everton goalkeeper is still an irreplaceable stopper for the "Three Lions".
After an impressive performance in the 3-2 victory over Mexico in the 1/8 round of the 2026 World Cup, Pickford is preparing for his 90th appearance for the England national team in the quarter-finals against Norway. He will also surpass legend Peter Shilton to become the goalkeeper who has worn the England national team jersey the most at World Cups.
However, Pickford has not yet received absolute recognition from fans. Many people still doubt the stability of the 32-year-old goalkeeper, despite the fact that he has started for the England team in five consecutive major tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup, the 2022 World Cup, EURO 2021, EURO 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.
Former goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, who used to be Pickford's teammate at Everton, believes that this goalkeeper is often rated harsher than necessary. According to him, whenever Pickford makes mistakes, public opinion immediately criticizes him, but rarely acknowledges his excellent performances.
In fact, since joining Everton, Pickford has always been the number one choice under eight different coaches. In the England national team, he also received absolute trust from Gareth Southgate before and now Thomas Tuchel.
After Southgate left the national team, Pickford once lost his position in a match under interim coach Lee Carsley. However, he quickly regained his starting spot and continued to be trusted by Tuchel when the German strategist took over the national team in 2025.
In response to expectations, Pickford once set a record of keeping 8 consecutive clean sheets for the England team, surpassing the achievement of legend Gordon Banks. After this milestone, Tuchel did not hesitate to praise his student when assessing him as "an excellent goalkeeper", always maintaining calmness and concentration in all circumstances.
The performance against Mexico once again shows why Pickford is still the number one stopper of the England team. Before the challenge named Erling Haaland and Norway in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, the experience and bravery of this goalkeeper will be an important fulcrum for the "Three Lions".
If he starts against Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals, Pickford will have his third appearance in the round of 8 strongest teams. That is a remarkable milestone for the goalkeeper who had to wander on loan at Darlington, Alfreton Town, Burton Albion, Carlisle United, Bradford City and Preston North End before winning a starting spot at Sunderland in the 2016-2017 season. Impressive form afterwards helped him receive 25 million pounds from Everton to recruit, becoming the most expensive goalkeeper in England at that time.
Although he has never worn the England captain's armband, Pickford is still considered one of the team's leaders thanks to his voice and ability to command the defense.
After the victory over Mexico, the 32-year-old goalkeeper shared: "I am one of the most experienced players in the team. When the team needs you have to take responsibility. That is a good performance and is the standard I always aim for.
Meanwhile, Tuchel also praised his student: "Jordan Pickford played very well. Especially in the final minutes, he showed courage and bravery. I am really satisfied with that performance".
