- Japan’s goal in 1-0 win ended Jordan Pickford’s 536-day run without conceding.
- Pickford now sets sights on Europe with Everton just three points off UCL places.
- Toffees’ keeper plays down two England draws in their World Cup preparation.
Jordan Pickford returned from England duty with a clear focus. The Everton goalkeeper played the full 90 minutes in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Japan at Wembley, his first action of the international break after sitting out the Uruguay draw.
It was a result that ended his remarkable 536-day run without conceding for his country, but Pickford’s thoughts are already turning back to domestic matters.
With seven Premier League games remaining, Everton sit eighth in the table, three points off fifth place and the Champions League spots that England’s coefficient ranking has likely secured. For Pickford, the target is clear.
Jordan Pickford: ‘Hopefully we’ll get the Toffees in Europe’
Speaking after the Japan defeat, Pickford was asked about Everton’s push for European qualification. His response left no doubt about where his focus lies.
“Seven games left and the manager will be pushing game by game now,” he said. “We’re not going to look at Tottenham away on the last day or anything like that, we’re going to be focused on our next one – Brentford away next week. Hopefully, we’ll get the Toffees in Europe.”
Jordan Pickford has been a key figure in Everton’s resurgence under David Moyes. His clean sheet in the 3-0 win over Chelsea last month was his 100th for the club, and his form has been instrumental in the Toffees’ climb up the table. Moyes will be relieved to have his number one back on Merseyside without injury.
Personal milestone and World Cup ambition
The Japan game carried personal significance for Pickford. It was his 82nd cap for England, moving him level with Raheem Sterling and ahead of Rio Ferdinand. When asked whether such milestones matter to him, his answer reflected the mentality that has defined his career.
“Yeah, I think it just shows the hard work I put in,” he said. “I do my best for Everton week-in, week-out, and I’m always striving to improve. I’m only 32, which is young as a keeper, so I’m just striving to keep getting better. I wear the England shirt with immense pride and I think everyone in the country knows how much it means to me.”
He acknowledged that 100 caps is a target, but stressed the bigger picture. “There are goals – but we know the main goal and it’s a team game. I’ve always said, I don’t even care if I concede four goals, as long as we win 5-4. It’s a team game and I want to win matches.”
That team ambition extends to this summer’s World Cup. England’s two friendlies ended without a win, but Pickford dismissed any suggestion of concern. “No, not at all for me. This happens. It’s happened before with World Cups and the Euros. The media will ramp it up and put pressure but we’ve always excelled in tournaments and it always matters. We want to win every game for England, me especially. I hate losing.”
The defeat to Japan was the first goal Pickford had conceded for England since October 2024. It stung, but his focus is already on what comes next, both for England and Everton.
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