Pickford starts in England friendly

Lyndon Lloyd Saturday, 2 June, 2018 13comments | Jump to most recent

Jordan Pickford's hopes of going into the World Cup Finals in Russia as England's first-choice goalkeeper were given a boost when he was named in the starting XI for this evening's friendly against Nigeria at Wembley.

There are newspaper suggestions that Gareth Southgate has already made up his mind that Everton's Player of the Season will be the chosen man between the sticks when England's campaign kicks off later this month but confirmation is expected in the next few days.

“It will become apparent over the next five days," Southgate is quoted ass saying. "I haven't had the conversation with the players yet and I think that is more important,” he said.

“They are inexperienced in terms of senior international games but Pickford and Butland have the perfect path in terms of junior international tournaments and a lot of Premier League football under their belt.

“When I look at Neuer and De Gea at the age they went in our guys are in a similar sort of situation and you only get them that experience by giving them that opportunity.”

England ran out 2-1 winners thanks to Gary Cahill's emphatic seventh-minute header and a goal by Harry Kane later in the first half.

Alex Iwobi put the first international goal past Pickford in the second half but the home side held on for the victory.

Reader Comments (13)

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Mike Gaynes
1 Posted 02/06/2018 at 17:21:34

As my wife always says when I go out to play, don't hurt yourself.

I'm also hoping to see Antonee Robinson again for the USA in Dublin.

Andy Finigan
2 Posted 02/06/2018 at 17:22:24

Gareth Southgate has just been asked if, by picking Jordan for this game, does it mean he is Number One for the World Cup? He replies, "He is playing today so he has the Jersey."

At this moment, in his hands. If he plays well in the warm-up games he will be Number One imo. So come on, Mr Pickford, do us proud.

Jimmy Hogan
3 Posted 02/06/2018 at 17:47:50

Good to see Pickford passing the ball out so accurately instead of lumping it up the pitch under Fat Sam's orders. Makes me feel good about next season.

Tom Bowers
4 Posted 02/06/2018 at 18:22:53

Nigeria are playing in second gear and the players look like they are fearful of getting injured before the finals. They are making it easy for England.

Sterling as usual very wasteful, and I say again, he is over-rated. Vardy and Rashford should start the next game.

Charles Brewer
5 Posted 02/06/2018 at 18:32:08

Sterling, as well as being a wannabe “gangstaâ€, is a useless cheat. Worst player on the pitch.

Mike Gaynes
6 Posted 02/06/2018 at 20:26:47

Unfortunately, the USA - Ireland game in Dublin is not giving us the opportunity to watch Seamus and Antonee attack each other along the touchline.

Robinson is on the US bench, sitting behind the relentlessly mediocre Villafana. I hope and believe that situation won't continue much longer. By the time the next World Cup cycle begins, I expect Antonee to be the USA starter and Villafana to be carrying golf bags somewhere.

Jamie Crowley
7 Posted 02/06/2018 at 20:48:49

Mike,

You're dead on regarding your assessment of Villafana. He's patently awful in my opinion. The creation of "hype" and the biggest problem with coaching in this country â€“ they believe the "hype". [**cue Public Enemy song**]

He's crap.

Mike Gaynes
8 Posted 02/06/2018 at 21:31:03

Jamie, the coaches just got overexcited because Villafana's the first actual professional left-back the USA has ever had. From Caligiuri to Boca to Agoos to Hedjuk to Eddie Lewis to Fabian and Beezer, every single previous left-back has been a convert from someplace else on the pitch. And none could play the position.

Speaking of undeserved hype, we're finally seeing Hamid being found out for the timid klutz he is. But I like the rest of this young side.

Mark Tanton
9 Posted 03/06/2018 at 07:16:55

Can't see anyone going right now, just as things are beginning to look up.

Dermot Byrne
10 Posted 03/06/2018 at 08:00:33

A few messages of Blue support will not hurt.

Link

Eugene Kearney
11 Posted 03/06/2018 at 11:00:27

Piss off, Bayern Munich. We've only just got him and we intend to keep him.

Neil Cremin
12 Posted 04/06/2018 at 07:21:51

Jimmy (#3),

I know we blame Big Sam for a lot of negative football but Pickford was hoofing the ball out under Koemann also. It used to frustrate me and one of two serious flaws in his game. The second is the tendency to parry the ball back into play. Hope none of these come back to haunt him in Russia or his confidence will be shattered if he is the cause of an England defeat and the red tops are looking for a scapegoat (eg, Beckham '98).

Jay Wood
[BRZ]
13 Posted 04/06/2018 at 17:27:33

Jordan Pickford â€“ officially 'England â€“ England's Number One...England's, Number One' in the squad numbers released for the World Cup today.

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