Jordan Pickford is reportedly under threat of losing his place in the England side when Thomas Tuchel takes over as the Three Lions manager.
Jordan Pickford will reportedly face a fight to keep hold of the England number one jersey when Thomas Tuchel takes over as manager.
The Everton stopper has been an ever-present since replacing Joe Hart early in the reign of Gareth Southgate back in 2017.
Pickford has won 71 caps for the Three Lions, and appeared in 26 matches at major tournaments, keeping a record 11 clean sheets as Southgate’s undisputed number one.
However, Pickford was dropped to the bench for England’s 3-1 win in Finland on Sunday, giving Dean Henderson a rare international start in Helsinki.
Is Pickford’s place at risk?
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Interim manager Lee Carsley was adamant that it was always in his plans to give Henderson an opportunity, and that replacing Pickford was not a demotion.
It was not the best look that Pickford lost his place in the side after a shaky evening against Greece a few days earlier though, as the 30-year-old made two glaring errors early on that almost both led to goals.
The Daily Mail now claim that Pickford’s place in the side is not guaranteed when the German boss takes over in 2025.
Pickford was the headline-maker when Everton drew with Newcastle United in his last club game before the international break, saving a penalty from fellow England man Anthony Gordon, but he has come in for some criticism for his performances this season.
Dawdling in possession saw him concede a cheap goal to Son Heung-min against Tottenham Hotspur, while he has also been highlighted for not claiming crosses into the box, as Everton conceded headers inside the six-yard box in four successive games.
The Everton faithful have made their feelings clear about Pickford though, and they are strikingly positive, as he has won the Fans’ Player of the Year award on four separate occasions.
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Does Pickford deserve to keep his England place?
Southgate came under criticism during his time in charge of England for picking the same players regardless of club form, and only those who he knows well.
The selection of Pickford was always justified though, considering that he was one player that never let Southgate down, despite racking up so many appearances in big games.
Euro 2020 was a particular high point, as Pickford broke the England record for the longest spell without conceding, before saving two penalties in the shootout against Italy in the final.
It was Pickford’s save from Manuel Akanji in the Euro 2024 quarter-final shootout against Switzerland that was decisive too, on the way to England reaching another final, but coming up short.
Those competing with Pickford for the number one shirt have also suffered from injury and dips in form, while the Everton man has played consistently at the highest level for almost a decade.
Nick Pope has spent time on the sidelines of late and has never been renowned for being comfortable with his feet, while Aaron Ramsdale lost his place in the Arsenal team before moving to struggling Southampton this summer.