PICKFORD COULD DO A ‘BANKS’
JORDAN PICKFORD has been backed to become an English goalkeeping great – by emulating legendary Gordon Banks and winning the World Cup.
The ringing endorsement of the Everton shot-stopper comes from former Liverpool star David James, who believes Pickford can help England to glory in Qatar next year.
Pickford, 27, excelled when Gareth Southgate’s side reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals in Russia and he was outstanding again during their Euro 2020 campaign.
James, who won 53 England caps, said: “What Jordan has proved in two tournaments is that he’s obviously an international-class goalkeeper.
“You look at what he did at the World Cup, saving penalties and getting to a semi-final, and then again in the Euros, saving penalties and getting to a final, he was outstanding.
“People talk about putting him up there with Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton, but I think there would be only one person above him – and that would be Banks.
“Not even Shilton, with the amount of caps he won, got to any major finals.
“Banks not only won the World Cup in 1966, but he also had a magnificent tournament.
“Shilton is up there with the greats without actually winning anything.
“You would argue that Pickford could only challenge Banks by England winning the World Cup next year – and I think they can do it under Gareth.”
Pickford has won 38 England caps and remains some way off Shilton’s all-time record of 125 appearances.
James said: “If he carries on until the age I was, 39, he might actually beat Peter Shilton’s cap record.”