View: Everton superstar set to lose out in int'l selection mistake after WC warning

England could be about to make a big mistake over Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Pickford will undoubtedly be Thomas Tuchel’s No 1 goalkeeper for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, boasting 82 caps to date.

He started the Three Lions’ 1-0 defeat by Japan on Tuesday but saw his impressive 536-day run without conceding on the international stage ended by Kaoru Mitoma’s winner.

Regardless, Pickford stands head and shoulders above his competition after an impressive campaign for the Toffees, having played a crucial role in their late push for Europe.

Everton could even qualify for the Champions League, and if they do, they will owe much to their stopper, who has been consistently brilliant since joining from Sunderland in 2017.

Could next World Cup be Jordan Pickford’s last?

Pickford made his senior England debut in November 2017, catching the eye during a 0-0 draw with Germany at Wembley, and quickly cemented his first-choice status.

However, now aged 32, his Three Lions days are likely nearing their twilight. Indeed, Joe Cole has predicted that Manchester City’s James Trafford will usurp him after the World Cup.

Cole, speaking on The Dressing Room Podcast, said: “It will be Pickford, but what I will say is that I think this will be Pickford’s last tournament.

“Because I watched Trafford in that cup final (City’s Carabao Cup victory vs Arsenal). He looks composed; he looks so calm.

“I think Pickford is brilliant, but he’s getting on a bit. I think he’s brilliant, right, but I’ve not been as excited about an English goalkeeper since seeing Trafford. He looks so calm.”

Trafford does look to have a very bright future ahead of him, but Pickford is no busted flush. In fact, goalkeepers often reach their prime in their 30s, so he has lots more to give.

Pickford almost certainly has at least one more tournament in him, but the big question Tuchel must answer is whether he will still be his undisputed No 1.

Either way, Trafford is now breathing down his neck.

Pickford is actually getting better

As the saying goes, with age comes wisdom. It can be argued that Pickford has actually gotten better over the past couple of years, with his rashness replaced by maturity.

It was recently revealed that Pickford has the highest goals prevented tally in the Premier League this season, while his eye-catching saves have inspired their top-five push.

No top-flight rival has kept out more goals than his total of 5.13, with Crystal Palace custodian – and England rival – Dean Henderson running him the closest with 4.4.

With Pickford between the sticks, Everton have the third-best defence in the league, conceding just 35 in 31 matches – a feat bettered only by Arsenal and Manchester City.

Across the entirety of his career at Hill Dickinson Stadium, he has racked up 100 clean sheets in 351 appearances, deservedly earning him a club legend tag.

Clearly, then, Tuchel would be foolish to sweep him aside in an unnecessary bid to shake up his options, with Pickford good enough to start in at least two more tournaments.

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