BORO’S PUL TOGETHER FOR TOP SIX
Gomes: Foster is England’s best goalkeeper
HEURELHO GOMES says the best Three Lions goalkeeper is not even in the current squad.
The Brazilian believes his Watford team-mate Ben Foster deserves to be between the sticks for England.
First choice Jordan Pickford has had a patchy season – and was at fault as Everton squandered a twogoal lead to lose 3-2 at Newcastle last weekend.
Asked whether he would select Pickford, Tom Heaton or Stoke’s Jack Butland against the Czech Republic for the opening Euro 2020 qualifier next week, Gomes said Foster deserved the jersey.
Foster has had an outstanding season and Watford’s back-up keeper insisted: “I believe Ben deserves it – seriously. At the moment, he is the best English goalkeeper. I like the others a lot, but he deserves to be No.1 and I’ve told him so.
“It’s one thing when you lose your place in the team to someone who is below you in performance, but I can’t complain. In the Premier League I am being kept on the bench by a very, very good goalkeeper.”
Burnley full-back Phil Bardsley begs to differ and backs team-mate Tom Heaton for the gloves.
Bardsley said: “The recognition t hat Gare t h Southgate has shown Tom in putting him back in the squad is well deserved.
“His performances have been top drawer, they’ve been outstanding and warranted a place in the England squad.
“He’s been arguably our best player and I think he could step in and play in these qualifiers.
“Tom’s a seasoned pro with great experience and great knowledge – he listens and learns.
“His work ethic was always second to none, he was always practising to improve his game. It’s a credit to him and his family how he’s conducted himself throughout his career.”
Pickford’s starting place is uncertain because of his dip in form and Sean Dyche says Southgate must decide who is his No.1.
The Burnley boss said: “I believe in Heats obviously or he wouldn’t be playing for me – but it’s up to Gareth to choose who he thinks is ready to play.” by England Most saves and highest save percentage this season qualified keepers in the Premier League
% Apps (min. 10) Save 68.12 Ben Foster 30 Tom Heaton 11
65 Jordan Pickford 30
64.96 Joe Hart 19
63.93 Alex McCarthy 25 97 37 67.35 80 77 78 TONY PULIS is under pressure to revive Middlesbrough’s home form - as their play-off hopes dwindle.
The Teessiders boss (below) has only overseen two wins at the Riverside Stadium since mid-November and is in danger of dropping out of the top six. But defender George Friend said: “It’s in our hands, we are still in a good position, three points clear of seventh. We are looking up, forward, d, not behind us. “The more we bang on about it, the more pressure we put on ourselves.”
Ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Aston Villa, Pulis said: “We have had two poor results but we are in the top six. We need to take our chances.”