Once rightfully touted as England’s number one for both the present and future, Jordan Pickford’s gradual downfall was unexpected, to say the least. Pickford played a starring role in England’s 2018 World Cup run, saving decisively in a shootout against Colombia.
One would think that after being the subject of praise as a result of key performances on the biggest stage of them all, Pickford’s confidence and, therefore, ability, would be through the roof. Think again. Since 2018, he has been on a gradual downward spiral, making error after error; fumble after fumble; misjudgment after misjudgment; all things a top-class manager such as Carlo Ancelotti will not tolerate in his side.
The Gradual Downfall of Jordan Pickford
Is the Trust Still There Between Pickford and Ancelotti?
Carlo Ancelotti has worked with some of the best keepers in the history of the game. The Italian managed Manuel Neuer, the man that arguably revolutionised the position; Petr Cech, too, played under Ancelotti while at Chelsea.
The fact remains, Ancelotti knows a good keeper when he sees one. And, so far, Jordan Pickford has not shown anywhere near the amount of quality that the Italian has come to expect from keepers; instead, he has shown the exact opposite.
Whether it’s been in Merseyside derbies or final day games that mean little to nothing from Everton’s point of view, Pickford has made mistakes. The Bournemouth mistake became the latest to be added to what is becoming a lengthy list on Sunday.
Junior Stanislas’ tame and pretty standard effort found the back of the net as a result of Pickford’s poor judgment of the situation. What should have been a routine save ended with the ball in the back of Pickford’s net.
The errors are becoming more and more apparent and will continue to cost Everton crucial points. If Ancelotti is serious about taking Everton into Europe, then he may need to show a mistake-prone Pickford the exit door.
England Place in Doubt?
With Nick Pope further adding to his credentials this season and Dean Henderson becoming a star on loan at Sheffield United, Pickford will have every right to worry about his future as England’s number one. While the Everton man made constant errors, Pope and Henderson enjoyed standout performances. While Pickford struggled for clean sheets, Pope and Henderson kept 15 and nine respectively.
Most crucially, though, Pickford made a total of four errors leading to goal throughout the season. Meanwhile, Pope made two, and Henderson made just the one error.
With one year left to wait before the Euros, Garth Southgate will need to keep a watchful eye on all three keepers as Jordan Pickford looks to save his England career before Pope and Henderson fight to rightfully snatch his place away.
Main Photo
