PICK A WINNER
England keeper Pickford has what it takes to keep the No.1 shirt.. for this World Cup and beyond
THERE was a spell during a small-sided, one-touch match at England’s training base in Russia when everything Jordan Pickford looked at went past him.
Even Trent Alexander-Arnold scored.
Not that it will faze Pickford, a character built to represent the confidence that normally comes naturally to top-class keepers.
Let’s face it, no shrinking violet has ever made a great goalie.
Pickford (right) has won his head-to-head with Jack Butland and will face Tunisia in Volgograd on Monday.
And even with the pressure England’s World Cup opener brings, he is certain the cultured distribution that has caught the eye will not be affected.
Pickford said: “I’ve always been confident but never arrogant. I always enjoy playing out from the back.
“It is just a nice feeling, knowing I’m capable of doing it and knowing it’s what the manager wants.
“I always play out at the right times. That’s the way we’re going to play, whether it’s a friendly, a qualifier or the World Cup.”
There is always a different focus on goalkeeping form but it is particularly sharp in tournaments. In 2010, Robert Green shipped a soft equaliser against the United States in England’s first game and was dropped. Joe Hart’s career has been holed by his calamitous Euro 2016.
But Pickford, 24, is sure the trajectory of his development is very much upwards and heading towards the elite bracket.
He explained: “(Manuel) Neuer is a keeper I really admire because he plays the role in his own way.
“David de Gea has been unbelievable for the last two or three seasons and, in my book, is probably the best in the world at the minute.
“They have the experience but this is only my second season in the Premier League. It took De Gea a while and I don’t think it has taken me that long to get to this level.”
Southgate, of course, has yet to officially confirm Pickford’s starting role but, on this occasion, it is safe to say the squad number allocation tells the whole story.
“The No.1 shirt has a massive history to it, I’m well aware of that,” said the Everton keeper. “And now I’m part of that history.
“I’m over the moon to be given No.1. You can’t get away from the fact it means a lot to have it and be top of the pile.
“Look at the keepers over the years. Harty had 70 caps as No.1.
“Hopefully, I’ve the chance to wear the shirt for a long time too.
“It means a lot to wear the actual No.1. I feel I’m ready to be No.1 and I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong not to get it.”
The recent history of England goalkeeping in tournaments has been chequered, but if his performance matches his confidence, the nation need not fret over Pickford.