Joe Hart has represented England on 74 occasions and very rarely let them down. For the last three major tournaments he has been the Three Lions’s undisputed No.1. The time for that run to end is now.
Having booked their place at the World Cup and without a host of regulars through a combination of injuries and selection, Gareth Southgate gave those chosen to start against Germany a clear mandate – show me why you should be on the plane to Russia. Jordan Pickford went one step further and should now have secured himself a starting berth for the summer.
13/5 for England and Brazil draw
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Handed his senior debut on Friday, the 23-year-old was called upon in the early stages to clear a woeful back-pass from Harry Maguire with Timo Werner bearing down on goal. First test passed, Pickford rarely looked back.
Twice in the first half he pulled off superb low saves to deny Werner, and when he was beaten the crossbar and Phil Jones came to his rescue to stop Leroy Sane from breaking the deadlock. On another night England’s most inexperienced side for 37 years would have gone in at half-time 4-0 down. Pickford’s presence played a major role in ensuring they did not.
It is not only Pickford’s shot-stopping that sets him apart from Hart, Jack Butland or any other goalkeeper hopeful of a summer of tournament football. Twice against Germany he showcased his trademark side-volleyed clearance to create opportunities for England counter-attacks. Though Southgate’s side failed to take advantage, the likes of Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy will be licking their lips in anticipation of what is possible come the summer.
Eyebrows were raised when Everton forked out £30 million for the Sunderland goalkeeper during their busy summer of spending, but unlike most of those brought to Goodison Park by Ronald Koeman, he has excelled on Merseyside. If he can sustain his form and showcase his talents on the biggest stage of them all in June, the Toffees will make a tidy profit come the time when they are forced to sell.
Elsewhere there were plenty of reasons for Southgate to be encouraged despite Germany too being without a host of regular starters. John Stones’s evolution into England’s defensive leader continues apace, particularly if a back three is going to be his manager’s preferred system, while Jones belied a groin injury that saw him last just 24 minutes to at least ensure himself a hotel room at England’s summer base in Repino.
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But the most eye-catching outfield performance was reserved for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, with the Crystal Palace midfielder recovering from a frustrating opening 15 minutes to become England’s creative hub on his first senior outing. There may have been shock at his inclusion, but given Southgate’s lack of options in central midfield, the Chelsea loanee did his chances of further call-ups no harm whatsoever.
Him starting in Russia remains unlikely, but the same cannot be said for Pickford. England’s chances of competing with the best at the World Cup are slim, but picking the most impressive and consistent goalkeeper in the country can only help their cause. Pickford, not Hart, is that man.