Former Liverpool and England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has backed Everton man Jordan Pickford to star for England at Euro 2020, despite question marks remaining over his consistency.
Having been firmly established as Gareth Southgate’s preferred man between the posts for some time, it was perhaps unsurprising that he made the tactician’s provisional 33-man squad.
Joined by fellow Toffees in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ben Godfrey in the squad, Southgate named three other ‘keepers alongside Pickford.
Aaron Ramsdale, Sam Johnstone and Dean Henderson of Sheffield United, West Brom and Manchester United respectively will all look to oust Pickford from his typical no. 1 spot – but Kirkland still sees the Everton stalwart as ready to star for the Three Lions.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Kirkland said:
“I’m a goalkeeper and I may be biased, but I can’t remember when Jordan Pickford has let England down – and I’m not sure if you can.
“He’s performed well for England, obviously there’s pressure on him but he’s managed to keep it going and perform well. There would have been more pressure if Nick Pope had been fit.
“Obviously Pope played the last few games when Jordan was injured, but Jordan has experience.
“He’s never let England down for me. Yes, his Everton form is poor at times but I think he finished the season strong with Everton. He’s had a bit of a blip and the injury was hampering him during the season.
“He’s never let England down and did well at the last World Cup so I expect him to start for England come the first game.”
Read Everton Verdict
For an experienced international and an ex-Reds man to continue to back Pickford is a sound endorsement of Pickford’s goalkeeping acumen.
Everton fans will be keen to see their team’s ambassadors performing well on one of the highest international stages in European football.
Toffees will be confident in the knowledge that Pickford has a reasonably clear shot at commanding a leading role between the posts.
Pickford has kept 10 clean sheets in 31 Premier League games this season, starting in 82% of games. Impressively, he has saved one in three of all the penalties he has faced this season.
With 30 caps to his name since 2017, Pickford is a cemented international who starred in the 2018 World Cup.
Given his history, there is every right for Pickford to be backed to perform on big occasions.
