It's time to say goodbye to Jordan Pickford's England career, according to talkSPORT's Rory Jennings. The 32-year-old has been a stalwart for the Three Lions, but Jennings believes it's time for a change in goal. With 91 caps to his name, Pickford has been a key player for Gareth Southgate's side, but his recent performances have raised questions.
Jennings argues that Pickford's time has come, citing his struggles with Everton and a costly error against Argentina in the World Cup. He believes that Pickford's reputation as an infallible goalkeeper is a misnomer, and that his performance against Enzo Fernandez was a clear indication of his flaws. Jennings also highlights the fact that Pickford has been playing for a relegation-threatened club for most of his career, which has raised doubts about his ability to perform at the highest level.
The panel on Thursday's Kick Off agrees that it's time for a change, with former Three Lions international Dean Ashton suggesting that Pickford might still be in the running for Euro 2028, but it's time for a new goalkeeper to step up. Jennings supports this view, advocating for a more reliable and consistent option between the posts.
So, who should replace Pickford? Jennings names James Trafford as a potential successor, hoping that he can develop into a world-class goalkeeper. Other options include Dean Henderson and Aaron Ramsdale, both of whom have been part of the England squad recently. With Pickford's future uncertain, the search for a new number one is on, and Jennings believes that the time is right for a fresh start in goal for England.
Pickford's England career has been a rollercoaster, with memorable performances in penalty shootouts against Colombia and Switzerland, as well as a disappointing exit at the hands of Argentina. Despite his contributions, Jennings thinks it's time to move on, and the search for a new goalkeeper begins.
