England’s gatekeeper is set to change.
British media ‘Goal dotcom’ reported on the 18th (Korea time) that “Coach Thomas Tuchel is reportedly planning to make changes to the English national team by replacing the number one that Gareth Southgate used as the main player.”
Thomas Tuchel was officially introduced as England’s new manager after signing an 18-month contract at Wembley Stadium. With his official inauguration date set for Jan. 1, 2025, Tuchel is expected to make a big difference, especially in key positions, as he will prepare his team to win the 2026 World Cup in North and Central America.
According to the British media Telegraph, one of the most urgent questions in Tuchel’s new system is about his future as England’s main goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford. The 30-year-old Jordan Pickford has maintained an unwavering No. 1 position since the 2018 World Cup, when he was an outstanding player under former Southgate, but he faces competition to maintain his starting position ahead of the 2026 North-China World Cup.
In particular, his position has become more unstable since he used Dean Henderson after interim coach Lee Carlsley put Pickford on the bench in a recent Nations League match between England and Finland. The decision came after Pickford performed below expectations against Greece at Wembley on October 11 (Korea time).
Along with Henderson, Nick Pope, who has been selected by Lee Carlsley in recent months, is also in contention. Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsdale, who has been playing well for Southampton, is aiming to return to the national team under Tuchel. With a fiercer competition expected than ever before, Tuchel will likely make the decision based on his current performance rather than his loyalty to the past. 먹튀검증
Pickford will return as Everton’s main goalkeeper against Ipswich Town in the Premier League this weekend. A series of clean sheets in the Premier League could help him regain his No. 1 spot in England’s two Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland in November, with Tuchel set to watch Pickford from the stands.