The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and while the focus is often on the stars of attack, it's time we shift the spotlight to the unsung hero of the English team: goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. For years, Pickford has been a model of consistency, both for Everton and the national side, and his contributions have often been overlooked. But as we delve into the numbers and analyze his impact, it becomes clear that Pickford is more than just a goalkeeper - he's a linchpin for England's success.
Pickford's clean sheet record is impressive, with 23 in the last two seasons for Everton, second only to David Raya of Arsenal. But what's truly remarkable is his consistency at the international level. In 89 England games, he has conceded 59 goals and kept 44 clean sheets, making only two errors that led to goals according to Opta statistics. These numbers speak to his reliability and ability to step up in big games.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Pickford's contribution has been undervalued. "He has been under-appreciated for Everton and England when you look at the numbers he's posting, the games he is playing, and the number of clean sheets he has," Robinson said. "He is only second behind David Raya in the last two seasons for clean sheets, and they are playing for very different teams. With England, you look at his experience, the way he has gone deep into tournaments. I always talk about competitive caps, but he has lots of tournament caps, which is so important."
Pickford has been England's first-choice goalkeeper in tournaments since the 2018 World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals. His experience and consistency have made him an indispensable asset for the team. Robinson notes, "I think he's the first name on the team sheet. There is nobody else. As a nation, we have again gone into a major tournament with a keeper who has racked up the caps, while others beneath him have only got a handful."
Pickford's performance in the World Cup qualifier against DR Congo was a stark reminder of his importance. While he was at fault for the goal, his overall display was solid, and he was able to bounce back and help England secure a win. But it was his performance against Mexico that truly showcased his talent. In the pressure cooker of the Azteca, Pickford had his finest game for England, making two brilliant saves in the first half and displaying outstanding command in the penalty area in the second half.
"It was a very brave display of goalkeeping," Robinson said. "I really admired what he did out there in that second half and his two saves in the first half kept England in the game. They could have been out of it by half-time if it wasn't for him."
Pickford's ability to take charge of the penalty area and make bold decisions is a testament to his growth as a goalkeeper. He doesn't mind playing with a different back four, and his relationship with his defenders is strong. "He decided that he was going to stand up," Robinson said. "He came for crosses, made decisions to go for balls, making life easier for his defenders because of how good he was."
As England looks to overcome the dangerous Norwegians and master striker Erling Haaland, Pickford's confidence and performance against Mexico will be a huge boost. "I think Jordan Pickford's confidence will be at an all-time high and the team's will be as well after their win against Mexico," Robinson added. "I questioned them on air when Thomas Tuchel went to a back five after 71 minutes. I was thinking I wasn't sure they would hang on, and that would have been a stick he would have been beaten with. It did go right, and Jordan Pickford was a big part of it going right."
In conclusion, Jordan Pickford is more than just a goalkeeper - he's a leader, a linchpin, and a key to England's success. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, it's time we give him the credit he deserves. From my perspective, Pickford's performance against Mexico was a masterclass in goalkeeping, and his confidence and experience will be invaluable for England as they look to go deep into the tournament. It's time to stop underestimating the goalkeeper and start recognizing the true value of Jordan Pickford.
