Jordan Pickford, Thomas Tuchel
Credit: Imago
Edward Bazeley
Sat 22 March 2025 16:10, UK
Jordan Pickford managed a clean sheet as England defeated Albania 2-0 on Friday in Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge of the Three Lions.
Tuchel’s men got off to a fast start as debutant Miles Lewis-Skelly handed his nation a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute at Wembley.
England doubled their advantage in the second half when Harry Kane sublimely brought down Declan Rice’s cross and fired past Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.
The Three Lions will be looking for their second win under Tuchel’s stewardship when they host Latvia on Monday for another World Cup qualifier, and Everton man Pickford will be hoping for another start.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made his 74th England appearance on Friday (Credit: Imago)
Jordan Pickford shock in England win
It would be fair to say that Pickford had a quiet evening on Friday, as Albania were unable to force the Toffees man into making a single save.
Jordan Pickford stats Premier League 2024/25
Appearances 29
Goals conceded 36
Clean sheets 9
Pickford has maintained nine clean sheets for Everton this term
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When handing out his England player ratings for TalkSPORT after the win on 21 March, Adrian Durham said: “Jordan Pickford, was he even playing?
“Didn’t have anything to do, but what he did, he did okay. So I can only give him 6/10, it’s not a criticism, it’s not a positive.
“Just average, could be six, I’ll give him six.”
Tuchel right to keep Everton man Pickford as England number one
When Tuchel called up four goalkeepers to his England squad, including Championship shot-stopper James Trafford, it was potentially indicative that he was willing to experiment in that area of the pitch, which could have signalled trouble for Pickford.
However, the German handed Pickford his spot between the sticks at Wembley, which was the correct call given the fact that the Everton man has seldom let England down since making his debut in 2017.
The Toffees’ shot-stopper had little to do during Tuchel’s first match in the England dugout and was most notably involved in a defensive mix-up with debutant defender Dan Burn.
But there is no doubt that Tuchel was right to opt for Pickford’s services, and the Everton ace restored the faith placed in him by the new Three Lions boss by maintaining a clean sheet.
Pickford should remain a shoo-in when it comes to England selection and will look to achieve yet another shutout against Latvia next time out.
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