Jordan Pickford has been urged to secure his place as England’s greatest goalkeeper by winning the World Cup, a feat that would see him join legendary figures like Gordon Banks at the pinnacle of English football. Banks, widely regarded as England’s top goalkeeper, earned his status through his key role in the national team’s 1966 World Cup victory.

David James, a former England goalkeeper and member of three World Cup squads, expressed confidence that Pickford could surpass Banks if manager Thomas Tuchel guides the team to global success. Speaking ahead of the upcoming tournament, James highlighted Pickford’s consistent performances, noting his crucial contributions to England’s fourth-place finish at the 2018 World Cup and in reaching consecutive European Championship finals under Gareth Southgate’s management.

James, who earned 53 caps during his international career, ranked Pickford just behind Banks among England’s goalkeepers, describing him as “kind of like 1.2” in terms of standing. He emphasized that while Banks remains unrivaled due to his World Cup winner’s medal, Pickford has already achieved milestones that place him among the elite, including participating in major tournament finals—an accomplishment shared by no other English goalkeeper since Banks.

James also praised the trust placed in Pickford by successive England managers, both Southgate and Tuchel, underscoring the goalkeeper’s reliability and importance to the team. He suggested that a World Cup victory could elevate Pickford to the top spot in England’s goalkeeping history. As England prepares for its next international challenge, the spotlight remains on Pickford to lead from the back and potentially cement his legacy.