Is it time to give record-breaker Pickford the credit he deserves?
Retold by Oddsrama · 11 July 2026
Jordan Pickford is about to etch his name into England's history books. When the Everton goalkeeper takes the field against Norway in the World Cup quarter-final in Miami, he will become the most capped English player in World Cup history with his 18th tournament appearance, breaking Peter Shilton's long-standing record of 17. But after a commanding performance that helped secure a 3-2 victory over Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca, the question being asked is whether Pickford has finally earned the recognition his stellar record deserves.
The numbers back the argument convincingly. In the last two Premier League seasons, Pickford has posted 23 clean sheets—second only to Arsenal's David Raya, who has 32. Yet Raya plays for a title-winning side while Pickford operates for Everton, making his defensive record even more impressive relative to his team's quality. Across 89 England appearances, he has conceded just 59 goals, kept 44 clean sheets, and registered only two errors leading directly to goals according to Opta data. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes these statistics reveal an under-appreciated talent who has evolved significantly as both a player and person.
Robinson highlighted Pickford's excellence as a shot-stopper and his distribution—particularly his long-range passing, which proved decisive in the Mexico victory. What speaks volumes is the absence of noise around his position. Unlike previous England keepers, there is genuine consensus that Pickford belongs in goal, with no serious challenger waiting in the wings. His tournament experience, accumulated through deep runs in major competitions since 2018, has made him indispensable. Thomas Tuchel, like Gareth Southgate before him, has shown complete faith in his first-choice keeper.
For betting purposes, Pickford's consistency and big-game temperament remain crucial factors when assessing England's defensive solidity and tournament prospects. His ability to make crucial saves under pressure could prove decisive in knockout football.
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