England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is set to return to the national team for the first time since the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, but he faces increasing competition for his starting position. The Everton keeper, who has been England’s first-choice goalkeeper since the 2018 World Cup, missed the last three international matches ahead of England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Croatia and the Czech Republic.
During Pickford’s absence, Dean Henderson featured in the 6-4 third-place playoff victory over France, while James Trafford guarded the net in the 3-2 loss to Spain and the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Prague on Tuesday. At 32 years old, Pickford is expected to add the nine appearances necessary to reach 100 caps in these upcoming matches. However, questions remain about his long-term future with the team, as head coach Thomas Tuchel reportedly is evaluating potential successors amid concerns about England’s goalkeeping options.
Pickford’s World Cup performances drew mixed reviews. While his save against Raul Jimenez in the round of 16 showcased his shot-stopping ability, there were several moments that attracted criticism. Notably, his positioning was questioned on goals conceded, including Enzo Fernandez's late equalizer for Argentina, where Pickford’s line of sight was obstructed by teammates. Additionally, he was fortunate to avoid a red card for a collision with Ghana’s Prince Adu and faced scrutiny for conceding goals against DR Congo and Norway, where his reactions and stance were highlighted as areas needing improvement.
Former England and Everton goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson noted Pickford’s low crouched stance as frustrating, but overall, Pickford remains a capable and passionate presence for the Three Lions. Still, the consensus among goalkeeping experts is that Pickford falls short of the elite level expected for England’s long-term number one.
Pickford made history at the World Cup by surpassing Peter Shilton’s record of 17 World Cup appearances, although Shilton’s overall England cap record of 125 remains intact. Unlike Shilton’s era, when he often shared the role with Ray Clemence, England prefers a definitive first-choice goalkeeper, a precedent Tuchel must consider to avoid instability.
Among the contenders to replace Pickford, James Trafford has impressed in his recent outings and his form at Leeds United after a difficult period at Manchester City. However, he will need to demonstrate consistent progress if he is to become England’s primary goalkeeper ahead of Euro 2028, which England will co-host. Other name contenders include Brighton’s Jason Steele, who is the third-choice keeper despite limited senior appearances, Coventry’s Carl Rushworth, and others such as Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale, whose careers have faced setbacks.
Pickford’s upcoming performances in Croatia and the Czech Republic will be closely monitored, as he is under pressure to maintain his position amid an increasingly uncertain goalkeeping landscape for England.