Goalkeeping puzzle for Russia begins to be a bit clearer for Southgate
Jordan Pickord appears in pole position to be England’s keeper at the World Cup.
Gareth Southgate was impressed by his audition in the Amsterdam-Arean as the battle to become the No.1 at the Finals in Russia heats up.
Joe Hart is not the immovable object he once was, given the 75-cap goalkeeper’s struggles for game-time and form, with some even questioning his inclusion for the friendlies against Holland and Italy.
Uncapped Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope, Stoke’s Jack Butland and Everton shot-stopper Pickford were also called-up for this month’s World Cup warm-up friendlies, with the latter given the nod for Friday’s friendly in Amsterdam.
The 24-year-old did well on just his second senior appearance, helping England to a deserved 1-0 win and bolstering his chances of a starting role in Russia.
“Yes, it was a good night for Pickford, definitely,” Southgate said of the Everton goalkeeper.
“He transferred what we know he can do into an important game. A game away from home, so that was good for him.
“I think it was not the test that we faced in November in terms of the pressure on our defence and the experience of the players.
“But, nevertheless, I think that’s 11 clean sheets from our 16 games and that gives us a good base to build from.”
Southgate said there was “one moment of concentration that he has got to get right” on a night when the Three Lions boss was “generally really pleased” with a goalkeeper able to provide yet more composure to this transitional team.
Pickford was involved in the build-up to Jesse Lingard’s winner and his abilities complement a young defence showing a “different skillset” to the previous generation.
“I think it allows you to play in a different way,” Southgate said.
“There are moments where the goalkeeper or a defender can come and put the ball into the stand or play it forward.
“But if you can play with composure and play through and out of pressure then it (eases) off the opposition in terms of their pressure and eventually they stop running and you have more time in different areas of the field.
“The profile of all of that defence and goalkeeper allowed us to do that.”
Goalkeeper has been a problem area for England, as has midfield.
Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain did well in Amsterdam behind Jesse Lingard playing as No.8, while Jack Wilshere would have played had he not suffered a knee issue on the eve of the game.
The Arsenal midfielder is out of the friendly against Italy on Tuesday, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek – man-of-the-match on his debut against Germany in November – is also an option when back from an ankle injury.
“I think I said when we named the squad that Ruben was one that really impressed us in November, has different sorts of attributes and really is a No.8 or No.10 rather than a deeper player,” Southgate said.
“But we have good competition for places because if you look at possible No. 8s, Adam Lallana comes into that as well.
“We need to look at something a little bit different maybe Tuesday just to see as many of the different players in different roles as we can before we name the squad.”
While Southgate said there might be “tweak to the system” against the Azzurri, he confirmed that personnel changes will be made.
The uncapped quartet of Lewis Cook, Alfie Mawson, James Tarkowski and Nick Pope stayed on the sidelines in Amsterdam, but Southgate suggested some of them will be involved.
“Yeah, the aim will be will make some changes,” Southgate said. “We’ve got to get the balance of embedding some principles and some experimentation.
“But certainly, some of those guys we want to see on the pitch.”
Joe Gomez will remain with Gareth Southgate’s squad despite his early exit against Holland.
England’s physios have checked the centre-back over and he will remain in camp at St George’s Park rather than withdrawing.