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Tom Hamilton
Multiple Authors
MIAMI — During my flight from Mexico City to Miami, I struck up a conversation with the man sitting next to me about England‘s goalkeepers. This gentleman had attended every World Cup since 1982 to support England—his travels slightly hindered by the team’s failure to qualify in 1974 and 1978.
Just 48 hours after Jordan Pickford starred in England’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, we found ourselves discussing the best England goalkeepers. “The greatest I’ve witnessed?” he mused. “Gordon Banks in ’67, Alex Stepney in the same year, Ray Clemence in the ’70s, and of course, Peter Shilton and David Seaman. If I had to choose the best, it’s probably Shilton; he had it all.”
In Saturday’s World Cup quarterfinal against Norway, Pickford will notch his 90th cap, while surpassing Shilton’s record for the most appearances by an England goalkeeper in World Cups at 18. Nevertheless, he remains a figure shrouded in debate among England fans.
“What about Pickford? How does he stack up?” I inquired. He replied, “Pickford… I’m not completely sold on him.”
Pickford, now 32, has been a cornerstone of the England squad since the 2018 World Cup, playing as the No. 1 for five consecutive major tournaments, including the European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024. His performances have instilled confidence in former England manager Gareth Southgate, who leaned on him throughout his coaching career, as well as current coach Thomas Tuchel, particularly during his standout performance against Mexico.
“Having a world-class keeper is invaluable,” remarked center back Ezri Konsa following the win. “There’s a reason he has made so many appearances.”
Despite this, Pickford is often a target for criticism.
“When he’s on form, there’s a lot of positive energy surrounding him,” explained Liverpool women’s goalkeeping coach Andy Lonergan, who played alongside Pickford at Everton from 2021 to 2024. “Yet there’s this ongoing narrative—one I dislike—suggesting he’s prone to making mistakes. You’ll struggle to pinpoint any faults in his game.”
A review of articles about Pickford over the past eight years captures the stark divide in opinions surrounding him. Criticism often stems from his errors, and his boisterous yet confident demeanor sometimes alienates fans, as evidenced in 2019 when British TV analyst Gary Neville chastised him for smiling during a match against Manchester City when Everton trailed 3-1.
“It’s amusing because everyone praises you when you wear an England shirt, but back at your club, you suddenly become a target,” Pickford remarked after Neville’s critique. “I try not to let it affect me, but it is frustrating.”
During his time at Everton, he has worked under eight different full-time managers, all of whom recognized his talent by keeping him as their No.1. This has held true since he burst onto the scene with England. “Opinions from the outside are just noise, but those who matter know how good he is,” Lonergan emphasized. Yet, Pickford has had to toughen up under scrutiny.
After conceding a goal to Belgium‘s Adnan Januzaj in 2018, Pickford faced scrutiny from the opposing goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, who claimed, “He was too busy throwing his legs in the air.”
Southgate subsequently commented, “[Pickford] needs to focus on the opinions that matter while filtering out external views that can lead to negative thinking. He knows I believe in him.”
After Southgate’s departure following Euro 2024, Pickford faced a test to reclaim his position. Just days after a surprising loss to Greece, interim coach Lee Carsley opted for backup goalkeeper Dean Henderson in a match against Finland. However, when the next international matches arrived, Pickford regained his starting role.
When Tuchel took over in March 2025, his faith in Pickford remained steadfast. By October of that year, Pickford had gone eight consecutive matches without conceding, breaking Banks’ previous England record. After securing the record with a clean sheet against Wales, Tuchel praised him as a “fantastic shot stopper” and noted, “He maintained his calm and focus, which is what we ask of him.”
Pickford’s World Cup Saga
As the current World Cup began, Pickford experienced a shaky start, conceding twice against Croatia, with the first goal slipping through his hands. Footage captured Tuchel providing Pickford with frank feedback after a wayward clearance, leading to an animated exchange that concluded with Tuchel demanding, “Do as I instructed!”
Prior to the showdown with Ghana, former Premier League striker Troy Deeney expressed skepticism about England’s chances of winning the World Cup with Pickford in goal.
Against Ghana, Pickford miscalculated his timing when coming off his line, tangling with forward Prince Adu outside the box, resulting in only a free kick. This incident could have led to a game-changing foul or even red card. In the round of 32 against Congo DR, he was caught out by a near-post shot from winger Brian Cipenga.
Those who train alongside Pickford find it difficult to understand the widespread doubt about his abilities. Asmir Begovic, who played with Pickford at Everton and has become a close friend, remarked, “I’ve consistently praised him, and objectively, he’s one of the Premier League’s finest goalkeepers. I’ve seen firsthand how crucial he’s been for Everton under tough circumstances—he’s one of the best I’ve ever worked with. He doesn’t get the recognition he deserves for his talent.”
Pickford’s durability is often overlooked; having missed only 11 league matches during his nine years at Everton. “There can’t be many English keepers who have displayed such resilience and consistency in the Premier League,” suggested an ESPN source familiar with Pickford’s career.
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Celebrating in London while feeling the pressure in Mexico City as England secures the win
Begovic echoed these sentiments: “Pickford exhibits remarkable consistency and high performance levels. He’s solidified his legacy as an England and Everton legend.
“When discussions arise about Premier League great goalkeepers, names like David Raya,
When conversations about the finest goalkeepers arise, names like David Raya,
“It’s an English goalkeeper narrative,” said Lonergan. “The perception of English keepers is unfavorable. Discussions with agents and clubs reveal it’s challenging for English keepers to find roles abroad. If he were Argentine or French, he’d be in high demand.”
Moreover, there’s the issue of accolades. Pickford is one of the few players in the England squad yet to capture a domestic trophy. Meanwhile, his fellow goalkeepers have achieved success: Dean Henderson has won the FA Cup and Europa Conference League with Crystal Palace, and James Trafford clinched both the League Cup and FA Cup last season with Manchester City. “If there’s a single factor that could boost his global recognition, it’s that missing trophy,” Begovic noted. “It seems to be the piece that isn’t there for the public as a whole.”
Another former international keeper added, “He needs Champions League football to secure his place among England’s legendary goalkeepers. That’s the missing element.”
However, Pickford remains steadfast in his loyalty to Everton. “He could thrive at any club and help them secure trophies. If he had been at Arsenal last season, they’d have still clinched the Premier League. Yet, he loves Everton and remains undervalued,” Lonergan asserts. “Everton fans appreciate his talent because they witness his abilities weekly, though they might not receive as much media attention as other clubs.”
After the match against Mexico, compliments began flowing once more for Pickford. He made two outstanding saves against Raúl Jiménez in the first half and displayed excellent judgment as he fended off wave after wave of crosses during the final minutes. “It’s crucial not to rush and chase everything,” Begovic remarked about Pickford’s performance. “He managed his movements well and made an impactful contribution.”
Lonergan added, “From a keeper’s perspective, it’s easier to stay on your line at the end of the game. If they score, it’s typically a defensive mishap, but if you come out for a cross and miss, it’s entirely on you. He faced those challenges head-on, achieving the perfect balance.”
Emerging as an England Leader
In “Dear England,” a play and television series examining Southgate’s influence on English football, Pickford is caricatured as an overly excitable puppy, especially his fabled penalty routine where he thrums against the crossbar. “I watched one episode and turned it off,” Lonergan said. “That portrayal doesn’t reflect him at all. While he can be animated during matches, it’s just him giving directions to his teammates, akin to what Peter Schmeichel did.”
Critics have previously pointed at Pickford’s temperament. In his earlier days, he exhibited a fiery demeanor, engaging in heated exchanges with Newcastle supporters during the 2018-19 season. His consistency waned during the 2019-20 season. Nonetheless, he has calmed down significantly over time.
“Earlier in his career, there were moments where it felt like he engaged in needless skirmishes, probably out of boredom,” former England teammate Theo Walcott stated in a 2025 BBC interview. “Now, he stays composed and avoids unnecessary conflicts, which is a testament to his growth.”
This World Cup, he inscribed on his boots “Get the Rave On,” paying homage to his favored band, Courteeners, but he’s clearly focused on the game.
“He has matured in various aspects,” Begovic opined. “Some might still view him as the emotional youth, but he has a wonderful family and has grown as a player, a keeper, and a person. He approaches his craft with seriousness and never feigns injuries. He’s always ready to compete. He truly is a top professional.”
While Pickford has yet to don the captain’s armband for England, his commanding presence on the field and vocal directives have established him as a pivotal leader on the team. Acknowledging his role, he asserted after the match against Mexico, “I’m among the most seasoned players here; when the time comes, I must step up. It was an outstanding match for me, embodying the standard we need.” Tuchel backed him, stating, “Overall, Jordan performed admirably. He showed courage, especially in critical moments, and I’m thrilled for him.”
When Pickford takes his position against Norway, he will be making his third appearance in a World Cup quarterfinal. It’s remarkable considering his journey from goaltending for teams like Darlington, Alfreton Town, and Burton Albion before securing a spot in the Sunderland lineup in 2016-17, which ultimately led Everton to invest £25 million in him—making him the most expensive England goalkeeper at that time.
Throughout England’s journey over the last eight years, Pickford has proven to be a stable force. “It doesn’t surprise me at all,” Begovic remarked. “I would hesitate to label someone as world-class if I didn’t genuinely believe it, and I am convinced that he is indeed one of the best, if not the best, goalkeeper currently playing in the Premier League. He deserves to be in that conversation more often.”
But will these records be sufficient to solidify his status as an England legend? “He needs to win a World Cup for that,” Begovic concluded.
Returning to our flight conversation, my neighbor reflected on the game against Mexico.
“To be fair, Pickford was fantastic,” he acknowledged, “but you know the saying: you’re only as good as your last game.”