Everton's Jordan Pickford is England's best-ever goalkeeper reckons former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips
Manager Thomas Tuchel speaks with Jordan Pickford during an England training session during in Kansas City
Manager Thomas Tuchel speaks with Jordan Pickford during an England training session during in Kansas City(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA via Getty Images)
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On Saturday night Jordan Pickford is set to move out on his own when it comes to the record for playing the most World Cup games for England and one of the most-prolific marksmen in Premier League history reckons the Everton star is the country’s best-ever goalkeeper.
Pickford – who will win his 90th cap for England if selected against Norway for the World Cup quarter-final in Miami – has already smashed the record for the most Three Lions appearances while with the Blues (previously Phil Jagielka on 40).
But during his heroic display in the 3-2 win over Mexico, he moved level with fellow custodian Peter Shilton on 17 matches in the World Cup finals, a total which is more than any other player.
Incredibly, the 32-year-old went into that fixture at the Azteca Stadium with some observers still questioning his place in the team, but former England striker Kevin Phillips believes the doubters are wide of the mark.
Speaking courtesy of BestBettingSites.co.uk, the 52-year-old who netted 30 goals for Pickford’s first club Sunderland in the 1999/2000 season while playing under Everton legend Peter Reid, told the ECHO: “For me, Jordan Pickford, he still gets criticism. Jordan’s an incredible goalkeeper and he proves it all the time.
“He proves the critics wrong. Whoever tries to criticise him, I’ve never done that.
“He never lets England down, ever. Yeah, he might make the odd mistake at Everton, but every keeper does, and it’s highlighted.
“But I think he’s a magnificent goalkeeper. He’s not afraid to come for crosses.
“He’s a tough character and his mentality is unbelievable. He showed that the other night against Mexico on the biggest stage, biggest game, he was outstanding.
“So, I would never criticise him. And for me, he’s the best England keeper we’ve ever had.”
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