The debate over Jordan Pickford’s place in the England squad has resurfaced in recent weeks, owing to the good form of Arsenal keeper and Three Lions teammate Aaron Ramsdale..
Despite the fact that Pickford has been in fantastic form in recent weeks. Just last weekend, the ex-Sunderland man made nine outstanding saves against Manchester United while the rest of the team failed to match his level.
Pickford has been instrumental in helping Sean Dyche’s new Everton team keep three clean sheets in his first five games at Goodison Park.
Pickford has been performing well since the arrival of Dyche, and he has done so all season. Only three starting goalkeepers in the Premier League this season have a better save percentage than the Everton man’s 74.5%, while Ramsdale has a 73.3%.
What makes that statistic even more impressive is that Pickford has faced 48 more shots on target than the competition, spending a lot more of the 90 under consistent pressure.
The manager of the Toffees was quick to defend his player, saying, “It happens. You rise to prominence. It is extremely rare for a major player to have a steady stream of positives.”
Pickford has 52 caps for England since making his debut in 2017..
Gareth Southgate has put him in charge of the team for the last three major tournaments, guiding them to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of the postponed 2020 European Championships.
Dyche was also quick to dismiss rumors of a potential verbal agreement in which the ‘keeper would leave the club in the event of relegation, saying, “No, there’s nothing.” There was no verbal agreement.”
The speculation began after Pickford agreed to a new five-year contract in February, in the midst of a second consecutive relegation battle.
Dyche will be hoping that his form this year will help him steer the club to safety now that Pickford’s future is secure.
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