17/06/2026
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England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia this evening, where, for the third consecutive tournament, the Everton number one will be a central part of their challenge.
Jordan Pickford will enter his 10th campaign as an Everton player next season, a period that has coincided with a largely unchallenged reign as England’s first-choice goalkeeper. Since making his debut for the Three Lions in November 2017, he’s won 84 caps, ahead of facing Croatia at Dallas Stadium tonight.
Pickford has already achieved plenty at international level. His 84 appearances are more than any Everton player has received for England, while he’s fast closing in on Tim Howard’s record for caps won (93) while representing the Blues.
His 12 appearances for England at the World Cup are double that of the next-highest Everton player, ahead of Ray Wilson (6). Only six England players have ever played more World Cup games. Barring injury, Pickford will level Peter Shilton’s 17-game record if England reach the Round of 16.
The 32-year-old will take pride in those appearances, but will not want his England career to pass without silverware. England’s wait for a major tournament reaches six decades this summer, with Pickford part of the teams that have come closest since. A World Cup semi-final in 2018, and back-to-back European Championship final defeats were agonising near misses.
England are not the favourites this summer, but Thomas Tuchel has a squad talented enough to return home with success.
Ray Wilson remains the only Evertonian to have won the World Cup, the oldest member of the 1966-winning vintage on home soil. Since then, 36 different Everton players have featured at a World Cup.
Alan Ball, who moved to Everton in a record deal after winning the 1966 tournament with England, was part of a trophy defence that ended in the quarter-finals in 1970, alongside Brian Labone, Keith Newton, and Tommy Wright.
In 1986, Gary Lineker won the World Cup Golden Boot while an Everton player, though Diego Maradona’s mix of genius and deception eliminated England in the last eight.
There were successive semi-finals for Evertonians in the nineties. Anders Limpar made one brief cameo as Sweden finished third in 1994, while Slaven Bilic helped Croatia to the final four in 1998. His tournament ended in controversy, however, after his role in a red card for Laurent Blanc that saw the Frenchman miss the final.
The closest any Everton player has come to a World Cup winner’s medal since Wilson was in 2010. John Heitinga became the fifth footballer sent off in a World Cup final as the Netherlands lost to Spain after some failed roughhouse tactics in South Africa.
For many, the fortunes of Everton names when not wearing a blue shirt are neither here nor there. But in a summer where fans are starved of the lifeblood that is club action, support will be shown to those out in North America.
Pickford, perhaps, more than most, as an Everton name representing one of the more fancied sides. Regardless of any indifference in ‘supporting’ England, an Everton World Cup winner does have a nice ring to it.
England vs Croatia
- Wednesday, 17 June 2026, 21:00 BST
Follow the discussion live in the ToffeeWeb Live Forum.
Reader Comments (27)
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Ajay Gopal
2 Posted 17/06/2026 at 11:24:07
2 Posted 17/06/2026 at 11:24:07
Exactly Jack. The English media seems to be waiting for Pickford to make a blunder so that they can get their favourite in. Good luck to Jordan, this seems to be his best chance to win silverware in his career. He is unlikely to win anything with Everton.
Steve Brown
3 Posted 17/06/2026 at 11:36:58
3 Posted 17/06/2026 at 11:36:58
Jordan is the best keeper in England.
Dave Abrahams
4 Posted 17/06/2026 at 11:43:59
4 Posted 17/06/2026 at 11:43:59
Steve (3) Steve if you mean that Jordan is the best English goalkeeper I don’t think he has a great deal of opposition.
Tony Abrahams
5 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:00:50
5 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:00:50
Are England, good enough to become world champions?
I think they’re in the top bracket of teams from around the world nowadays but, I think there are still a few better teams than them. We will soon find out.
I think they’re in the top bracket of teams from around the world nowadays but, I think there are still a few better teams than them. We will soon find out.
Paul Hewitt
6 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:10:22
6 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:10:22
Not a chance. 😆
Paul Hewitt
7 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:12:52
7 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:12:52
Dave @4. I agree. The standard of English keepers at the moment is shocking. God help it if Pickford ever got injured.
Raymond Fox
8 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:13:05
8 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:13:05
Jordan is a top keeper, they all make some mistakes sooner or later.
As far as winning a World Cup is concerned, no chance, I wouldn't be surprised if they cock up tonight.
I was 20 when we won in 1966, it was a different game then more open and fitness orientated.
They have disappointed at most WC since and I think this will be another one.
Don't get me wrong I'm a proud Englishman and I hope they do well especially for the young fans, but I think we will fall short as usual.
As far as winning a World Cup is concerned, no chance, I wouldn't be surprised if they cock up tonight.
I was 20 when we won in 1966, it was a different game then more open and fitness orientated.
They have disappointed at most WC since and I think this will be another one.
Don't get me wrong I'm a proud Englishman and I hope they do well especially for the young fans, but I think we will fall short as usual.
Martin Berry
9 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:30:15
9 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:30:15
Jordon Pickford best keeper in England ? He is the best keep in the World ! and I will tell you why.
One of the best shot stoppers, one of the best penalty savers. and bar far the best distributor with his kicks, no one in World football comes close on the latter.
Yes all keepers drop a "clanger" now and then, but if keepers were give marks out of ten for various goalkeeper requirements, the Jordan would be tops.
There is no other keeper in any of the Nations at the World Cup that I would swap.
One of the best shot stoppers, one of the best penalty savers. and bar far the best distributor with his kicks, no one in World football comes close on the latter.
Yes all keepers drop a "clanger" now and then, but if keepers were give marks out of ten for various goalkeeper requirements, the Jordan would be tops.
There is no other keeper in any of the Nations at the World Cup that I would swap.
Liam Mogan
10 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:30:19
10 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:30:19
He suits international football as his main weakness - corners and not coming out his 6 yard box for crosses - is rarely tested.
He also doesn't whack it 60/70 yards to no one every time he gets it
He also doesn't whack it 60/70 yards to no one every time he gets it
Andrew Ellams
11 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:44:29
11 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:44:29
England are probably a tier two team in this tournament alongside Portugal, Brazil and Germany but behind Spain, Argentina and France.
Anything less than a quarter final would be poor, a bit of luck and it could be more.
Anything less than a quarter final would be poor, a bit of luck and it could be more.
Paul Hewitt
12 Posted 17/06/2026 at 13:37:24
12 Posted 17/06/2026 at 13:37:24
Raya at Arsenal is far better Martin
.
.
Stan Grace
13 Posted 17/06/2026 at 13:57:29
13 Posted 17/06/2026 at 13:57:29
Paul #12,
Raya is rarely tested in games because of the defense in front of him. If he played for us his limitations would be more evident.
He's not as good as Pickford which is why he isn't even first choice for Spain. Unai Simón is, and he's as unreliable as the one who our neighbours think is great.
Raya is rarely tested in games because of the defense in front of him. If he played for us his limitations would be more evident.
He's not as good as Pickford which is why he isn't even first choice for Spain. Unai Simón is, and he's as unreliable as the one who our neighbours think is great.
Christy Ring
14 Posted 17/06/2026 at 14:24:48
14 Posted 17/06/2026 at 14:24:48
I think you should take a rain check guys, they haven’t played a game yet, and I think Tuchel will be found out, picking centrebacks to cover as full backs, for me won’t work later in the tournament if James or O”Reilly get injured, and would have had Palmer on the bench for a bit of creativity instead of Henderson.
Mark Ryan
15 Posted 17/06/2026 at 14:52:52
15 Posted 17/06/2026 at 14:52:52
No he won't be because England have no chance of coming through the semi's. We are simply not good enough. If he had Foden and Palmer in the squad then maybe. Cannot fathom why they are sat at home or on their holidays when there is a Workd Cup to compete in. Picking Dan Burn over Maguire is a joke. Maguire has always been at his best playing for England. Some players suit playing for their country and others not. Leighton Baines a case in question. The squad is not good enough and as for taking Henderson because everyone loves him, wtaf !! Pathetic. You don't always need to take all your best players, you do need a good balance but Dan Burn, Jordan Henderson, give me strength
Steve Brown
16 Posted 17/06/2026 at 14:56:51
16 Posted 17/06/2026 at 14:56:51
Don’t think Raya is better than Jordan; he is lucky to have the protection of the best defence in the league.
His error against West Ham away could have cost Arsenal the league, and his performance in the penalty shoot-out in the Champions League final was weak.
He is not even first choice for Spain.
His error against West Ham away could have cost Arsenal the league, and his performance in the penalty shoot-out in the Champions League final was weak.
He is not even first choice for Spain.
Les Callan
17 Posted 17/06/2026 at 15:16:27
17 Posted 17/06/2026 at 15:16:27
Big statement that Martin @9. Tongue in cheek ?
Andrew Ellams
18 Posted 17/06/2026 at 16:53:58
18 Posted 17/06/2026 at 16:53:58
Raya is definitely better than Simon who has been a liability for a long time now. Remember the own goal he let in under his foot at the last but one Euros?
Raya does some of the simple stuff better than Jordan but not the unbelievable stuff like the save at Newcastle, the double save against Chelsea a couple of years back or the one against Colombia at the 2018 World Cup.
Raya does some of the simple stuff better than Jordan but not the unbelievable stuff like the save at Newcastle, the double save against Chelsea a couple of years back or the one against Colombia at the 2018 World Cup.
Eric Myles
19 Posted 17/06/2026 at 16:54:50
19 Posted 17/06/2026 at 16:54:50
Martin #9, can't claim crosses in his six yard box, can't hold onto a ball from shots, just parries, distribution?
Donarruma!
Donarruma!
David West
20 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:08:06
20 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:08:06
He could be next world cup winner if he was French or Argie.
Don't think England will have what if takes if they meet France !
Don't think England will have what if takes if they meet France !
John Collins
21 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:33:50
21 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:33:50
What's happening with Arnold?
Right back takes the knock and Tuchel brings a centre half replacement?
Right back takes the knock and Tuchel brings a centre half replacement?
Harry Diamond
22 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:45:09
22 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:45:09
England are going to be in big trouble if Reece James and/or O'Reilly get injured...
Christy Ring
23 Posted 17/06/2026 at 20:21:01
23 Posted 17/06/2026 at 20:21:01
Harry #22 I'm guessing you're referring to my comment? Chalobah has been brought in now, another centreback to cover his injured right back, he could have brought in Arnold or Shaw, because he has Spence a right back, covering leftback? As for the game tonight, surprised Guehi isn't starting, considering he kept Stones out of the City team.
Mick O\\\'Malley
24 Posted 18/06/2026 at 08:05:34
24 Posted 18/06/2026 at 08:05:34
Emi Martinez? I'd say he is the best goalkeeper in the world, and if its about medals he has them, Jordan is a brilliant shot stopper but lets be honest he does have flaws in his game, crosses, commanding the 6 yard box and the way he parries shots back into the area, sketchy distribution occasionally, I mean there is a reason he is still with us, Pep never came for him when he wanted a keeper, UTD, Arsenal never came for him, don't get me wrong I'm made up he's our keeper, he's saved us plenty of times and he has cut out the brain farts
I like the look of James Trafford, big brave and agile, he'll be Englands next keeper as far as I'm concerned
I like the look of James Trafford, big brave and agile, he'll be Englands next keeper as far as I'm concerned
Harry Diamond
25 Posted 18/06/2026 at 08:36:39
25 Posted 18/06/2026 at 08:36:39
Christy - 22
Yes, I think he's just taken a big risk if one of those two go down injured, and James hardly has the best record. Spence brings some pace and Tuchel has definitely looked to have more athletes in the squad.
I'd just worry about the full-backs in possession if James or O'Reilly go down. Chalobah just seems such an odd pick when there's Quansah and Konsa who can do that CB/RB cover. Surely a Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw or Alexander-Arnold would have been better replacements.
Yes, I think he's just taken a big risk if one of those two go down injured, and James hardly has the best record. Spence brings some pace and Tuchel has definitely looked to have more athletes in the squad.
I'd just worry about the full-backs in possession if James or O'Reilly go down. Chalobah just seems such an odd pick when there's Quansah and Konsa who can do that CB/RB cover. Surely a Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw or Alexander-Arnold would have been better replacements.
Don Alexander
26 Posted 18/06/2026 at 16:36:05
26 Posted 18/06/2026 at 16:36:05
Our Dominic Calvert-LewinL scored the winner in a World Cup Final, just saying.
Michael Kenrick
27 Posted 18/06/2026 at 17:43:45
27 Posted 18/06/2026 at 17:43:45
Yea, Don, good call.
Except it weren't yer actual World Cup, was it, Donny? Something for the kids, as I recall.
Except it weren't yer actual World Cup, was it, Donny? Something for the kids, as I recall.
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1 Posted 17/06/2026 at 11:04:16