When England face Ghana in the World Cup later, much of the attention will focus on Thomas Tuchel’s chosen starting XI.
For Everton supporters, however, there is another reason to watch closely. And they know for sure, barring injury, he’ll be a starter.
Jordan Pickford is set to add to an England career that has already secured his place among the England goalkeeping greats. Nearly nine years on from his senior debut, the Everton No.1 remains the undisputed first choice for club and country, a position earned through sheer consistency and not reputation, which hasn’t always been great.
Managers have changed, but Pickford’s place has remained secure.
As England prepare to take on Ghana, the numbers behind his international career underline exactly why.
England’s undisputed No.1
Since making his debut against Germany in November 2017, Pickford has established himself as one of the most important players of England’s most successful era since 1966.
He has started every match at four major tournaments, helping England reach two European Championship finals, a World Cup semi-final and a World Cup quarter-final. Throughout that period, he has repeatedly delivered in the biggest moments, whether through crucial saves, penalty shootout heroics or, simply, the reliability that international football demands.
| Jordan Pickford for England | Record |
|---|---|
| Senior Caps | 85 |
| England Debut | November 2017 |
| Major Tournament Starts | 26 |
| World Cups | 2 |
| European Championships | 2 |
| European Championship Finals Reached | 2 |
For all the debate that often surrounds England’s squad, Pickford’s position has rarely been in question.
His save from Carlos Bacca’s penalty during the 2018 World Cup shootout victory over Colombia remains one of the defining moments of England’s modern history, while his performances across successive tournaments have consistently justified the faith placed in him.
A tournament record that speaks for itself
Perhaps the strongest argument for Pickford’s importance can be found in his stats.
Across four major tournaments, England have conceded fewer than one goal per game with the Everton keeper between the sticks. The standout campaign came at Euro 2020 – played in 2021 – when England reached the final having conceded just twice throughout the entire tournament.
| Tournament | Apps | Goals Conceded | Goals Per Game |
| 2018 World Cup | 7 | 6 | 0.86 |
| UEFA Euro 2020 (2021) | 7 | 2 | 0.29 |
| 2022 World Cup | 5 | 4 | 0.80 |
| UEFA Euro 2024 | 7 | 8 | 1.14 |
| Total | 26 | 20 | 0.77 |
Those figures highlight a goalkeeper who has consistently performed under the intense scrutiny that comes with representing England at major tournaments.
While England’s attacking talent often dominates headlines, tournament football is frequently decided by fine margins. Pickford has repeatedly shown an ability to remain focused when called upon, even during matches where he has relatively little to do.
Ghana provide another test
Ghana will offer a different challenge.
African nations continue to grow in strength and depth, and have closed any once-perceived gap in quality and organisation. England may start as favourites, but Jordan Pickford knows better than most that international football rarely follows a script.
One of the defining features of his England career has been his ability to stay alert during long periods of England possession before producing important saves at important moments.
That quality could prove crucial again tonight.
For Evertonians, Pickford’s latest England appearance will be another reminder of the calibre of goalkeeper representing their club. For England, it is a reminder of something equally important.
Nearly a decade after his debut, they still have one of international football’s most dependable No 1s.
