Should Jordan Pickford stay England’s regular number 1 or is it time for Gareth Southgate to turn to Nick Pope or Dean Henderson?
Pickford’s position for the national team came back into the limelight after a mistake against Brighton. The Everton man made four mistakes that resulted in goals in the Premier League in 2020 – more than any other goalkeeper.
Southgate has since confirmed that Burnley’s Pope will face Wales in Thursday’s friendly, but who should be the full-time man between the sticks? This question was discussed at the latest Pitch to post Podcast how Sky Sports News’ The English reporter Rob Dorsett and skysports.com’s Oli Yew has joined Kate Burlaga for an international preview special – and we asked you for your opinion …
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How Nick Pope, Dean Henderson and Jordan Pickford compare since early 2019/20
“Pickford did not fail England”
2:29
On the Football Show, Rob Green rates the three English goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope and Dean Henderson, who are fighting for first place
Sky Sports News’s Rob Dorsett speaks ahead of Southgate’s announcement:
“Jordan Pickford is clearly Gareth Southgate’s number one – and he’s never let England down. We haven’t seen the high-profile mistakes he made with Everton for England.
“It’s clear Nick Pope is in better shape than Pickford in terms of Premier League performances – despite Pope making a howl [against Newcastle] – So Southgate has to decide whether to stick with the man who’s been number one for years. Southgate likes to stick to a proven goalkeeper.
0:31
Nick Pope says mutual support is “part of the life of a goalkeeper” as he, Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson continue to battle for first place on the national team
“He could play for the game against Wales against Pope. I see no point in having three goalkeepers and not giving anyone a run-out. Imagine Pickford injured and Southgate didn’t look right.” with someone else?
“When we see Pope on Thursday we shouldn’t read too much about it. I don’t think Pickford will be dropped because of his club form. It’s more an opportunity to take a closer look at someone else.” “”
“Henderson has to play week after week”
Dean Henderson scored an important save on his Manchester United debut
Oli Yew from Sky Sports:
“When Henderson played for Man Utd, he played well. There was a great stop against Luton in the League Cup and another one from Leandro Trossard against Brighton.”
“He was brilliant for Sheffield United last season – we all know what he can do – but is that enough for Southgate to drive him down?”
4:59
A selection of Dean Henderson’s best saves from the 2019/20 Premier League season
“I’m not so sure while he’s on Man Utd’s bench. Surely that hurt his chances?
“Two Carabao Cup games this season are not enough to finish England number one. Southgate probably wishes things had turned a little differently and he played week after week.
“That could still happen at Man Utd – then it’s a different story. The euros are still a long way off but at the moment I don’t think Southgate can pick Henderson.”
“Pickford made three bad mistakes in six months”
0:32
Former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall has supported the current No. 1 Jordan Pickford despite his recent mistakes
Former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall on Sky Sports News:
“I think he’s probably had three bad minutes in six months – if [that].
“His mistakes aren’t killing us – I think that’s a good thing – and I think once he finds his form we will fly.
“There will be a time when we have this little bump on the road and maybe we have to rely on it. Maybe people have to change their minds.
“If Mr Ancelotti wants to play you, you have to be reasonably decent. If his job were in the line, there would be a cab outside Goodison tomorrow.”
Robinson: Pickford is still England’s number 1
1:24
Carlo Ancelotti insists he has full confidence in Jordan Pickford while the English goalkeeper has been criticized for his midweek performance at Fleetwood
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson on Sky Sports News:
“Pickford has done no wrong for Gareth Southgate. He has performed well every time, saved penalties in major tournaments and his stocks as an international goalkeeper are unquestioned.
“Yes, his form for Everton is slightly up and down right now, but all he has to do is get his head right, play four or five games, conceding three or four goals and it will all be for one Quiet while.
“It is very difficult when you are England’s number one. You are on a pedestal and there is always someone behind you, according to other people, who can do your job better than you.
“He played well for England and yes, he had disagreements at Everton, but he doesn’t play badly. He makes stupid mistakes in games that cost goals, but they are not expensive for Everton, which still win games.”
“If he can fix these mistakes and play consistently well again, that is important. It is the most important thing for a goalkeeper. He is more than capable of doing that and to get him out of the No. 1 shirt in England would be that wrong decision.” from Southgate. “
VOTE: Pickford, Pope or Henderson?
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