Jordan Pickford Touted as Future England Captain

Jordan Pickford, the current first-choice goalkeeper for Everton, has been highlighted as a potential future captain for the England national football team. His commendable performances for both his club and the national side have sparked discussions about his leadership capabilities. Former England player Darren Bent has publicly supported the idea, stating, “Why not? He’s been there and done it with England.”

The debate over England’s captaincy arose as current captain Harry Kane is expected to be benched during the UEFA Nations League match against Greece at Wembley. John Stones is anticipated to wear the captain’s armband in Kane’s absence. The conversation about Pickford’s suitability for the role was initiated during a live broadcast, with Bent responding affirmatively to co-host Andy Goldstein‘s suggestion of Pickford as a candidate.

Despite experiencing some inconsistencies this season, Pickford remains a key asset due to his significant contributions on the field. His recent performance in a goalless draw against Newcastle United at Goodison Park demonstrated his crucial role in the team. Notably, during that match, Pickford made essential saves that helped secure the draw, highlighting his reliability under pressure.

Pickford’s tenure with the national team includes leading England to two consecutive European Championship finals under the management of Gareth Southgate. At 30 years old, Pickford has amassed 70 caps and is widely recognized as England’s top goalkeeper. These accomplishments strengthen his candidacy for the captaincy.

With Everton currently struggling to avoid relegation, some of the team’s defensive issues have been identified as contributing factors rather than Pickford’s performances. Observers note that while he has occasionally faced criticism, Pickford’s leadership and experience remain invaluable both on and off the pitch.