Jordan Pickford, Thomas Tuchel
Credit: Imago
Edward Bazeley
Tue 25 March 2025 7:10, UK
Everton star Jordan Pickford maintained his second clean sheet of the international break as England defeated Latvia 3-0 at Wembley on Monday.
The Three Lions opened the scoring thanks to Reece James’ free-kick before further goals from Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze sealed a comfortable victory for Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Everton ace Pickford had relatively little to do between the sticks for England as he was forced into making just one save.
However, the 31-year-old was involved in a defensive mix-up with Marc Guehi, which gave Latvia forward Vladislavs Gutkovskis a clear opportunity to open the scoring, but he did not oblige.
Jordan Pickford stats Premier League 2024/25
Appearances 29
Goals conceded 36
Saves 85
Clean sheets 9
Pickford has had another strong season in goal for Everton
Roy Keane slammed Pickford’s error in ITV’s half-time coverage, but he had very little to do after.
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The Express also had their say about Pickford’s England performance, writing: “Got into a right tangle to gift Latvia a golden chance to score.
“And then had nothing else to do.”
Meanwhile, the i Paper said: “Lucky not to concede after charging out of his goal when Guehi appeared to have the situation under control.
“Made a routine save from Alvis Jaunzems’ long-range effort, but otherwise untroubled.”
The Daily Mail suggested that Pickford was bored as his error nearly ended in “catastrophe”, with all three outlets in agreement that it was his fault at the back.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made his 75th England cap on Monday (Credit: Imago)
Pickford fails to impress on milestone England cap
Pickford’s appearance against Latvia marked his 75th in England colours, while he has enjoyed a largely strong start to Tuchel’s tenure as Three Lions boss after keeping two clean sheets in as many outings.
However, his error caught the eye of the national media, and on another night, it could have proven costly for Tuchel and Co.
Even if England went on to win the game, going a goal down to an inferior Latvia side would have been somewhat of an embarrassment, but such a scenario almost came true when Pickford got in the way of Guehi and allowed the visitors a gilt-edged chance to score.
But Pickford’s status as England’s number one should not be under threat by any means as he is one of the best goalkeepers the nation has produced, as demonstrated by his appearances in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and 2024 Euro final.
David Moyes will be hoping for a cooler head at the back when Pickford returns to Goodison Park for the end of the Premier League season.
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