Representing your country is an achievement in itself, but when you put on your nation’s jersey and equal a national record that stood for more than 50 years, that is no mean feat. On the 2nd of September 2021, England defeated Hungary 4-0 in their World Cup qualifier. Everton keeper Jordan Pickford was a part of another record-equalling England backline that equalled the clean sheet record of a calendar year that they achieved in 1966 with 11 clean sheets.
Pickford has earned 40 caps for the Three Lions keeping 20 clean sheets in the process. Pickford was part of the Three Lions squad that reached the semi-finals in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the finals in the 2020 European Championship.
During Euro 2020, the Everton goalkeeper surpassed Gordon Banks’ previous record of 720 minutes without conceding for his country. England just conceded 2 goals in the entire Euro 2020 campaign.
Pickford also saved two penalties in the shoot-out defeat to Italy in the final, doing all he could to help England win their first international trophy since the World Cup victory back in 1966. Pickford has a clean sheet percentage of 50% which means that he keeps a clean sheet in every other game for England. (stats via FBref)
Jordan Pickford has matured for Everton and England
Pickford believes that he has been improving as a goalkeeper of late. Asked if he’s in the finest form of his career, Pickford said:
"Yes, I am maturing and a lot more experienced. Everything is a learning curve and, for me, it is about improving day to day and being consistent over a period of time and being the best I can. (via club’s official website)"
England manager Gareth Southgate praised Pickford while speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of the World Cup qualifier with Poland.
"We’ve always had belief in Jordan’s abilities as a goalkeeper. He has a fantastic range of passing and with the way we want to play that is very, very important. And in the past six months, especially, his calmness in the matches has been a real standout and progression.(via club’s official website)"
Despite conceding a late equalizer against Poland, England are in contention to finish top of the group and qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup that will take place in Qatar.
Everton are currently 6th in the Premier League standings with 2 wins and a draw. Keeping one clean sheet in the process and conceding 3 goals in 3 games. Everton manager Rafael Benítez sees the 27-year-old shot-stopper as one of the leaders in his squad. The international break must be a confidence booster for Pickford, who will hope that he can carry on his fine form for England along with him to the Merseyside.
Will Jordan Pickford have a successful season with Everton?