Former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn has claimed this week that Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford doesn’t necessarily have to worry about his Premier League form when it comes to keeping his spot between the sticks under England gaffer Gareth Southgate.
Speaking to Talksport ahead of the Nations League tie against Holland tonight, as a former backup goalie himself as he challenged the likes of David Seaman, David James and Paul Robinson for the shirt, Martyn felt Pickford was nailed on to start the game – despite the speculation that Southgate’s refusal to confirm his side brought.
“I think Jordan Pickford will start for sure because he’s not let Gareth down and Gareth will keep picking players that will perform for him. As the goalie who’s tried to put pressure on before, all you can do is focus on your performances and try to impress around the England set up when you’re there. Your league form might even be better than the other ‘keepers, but if he doesn’t let England down when he plays, you have to understand why you don’t get picked.”
It’s not exactly a groundbreaking reveal from the former pro as Southgate has already shown himself to be incredibly loyal to certain players in the group, and he’s right, if Southgate is of the belief that Pickford hasn’t let him down when called upon, whilst he might make changes in friendlies, when it comes to the proper action he’ll keep the faith in those that have done a job for him previously.
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