Everton’s Jordan Pickford is currently the England No. 1, but faces stiff competition for his place.
Arsenal goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, has recently spoken out about his ambition to usurp Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford as England’s first choice between the sticks. In an interview with German publication Kicker, Ramsdale said, “I need to play well for Arsenal to get into the squad and oust a superb goalkeeper there in Jordan Pickford. Of course, it’s every boy’s dream to represent his country in a major tournament.”
Ramsdale certainly has a strong claim for the place in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI. The Arsenal man was in impressive form last season as the Gunners finished runners up in the Premier League. At Goodison Park, however, Pickford was equally crucial in helping the Toffees avoid the drop. He made a number of vital saves on the final day to help preserve Everton’s top flight status.
Pressure on Pickford
At 29-years-old, Pickford is in the prime of his career, and Sean Dyche has no plans to let him leave the club. The Sunderland-born ‘keeper also already has 54 England caps to his name, and has clearly earned Southgate’s trust.
However, if things don’t improve this season at Goodison Park, and Everton get relegated, he would surely have to seek a move back to the top level of club football in order to preserve his place in the England pecking order.
With the likes of Nick Pope and Dean Henderson, as well as Ramsdale, keen to pressure Pickford for his place in the national team, the Everton man needs to remains at the top of his game. This motivation can only be good news for Everton who will be heavily reliant on Pickford themselves this season.