Jordan Pickford deserves to be England’s World Cup number one, says former Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce
Big Sam tipped the Everton goalkeeper to shine in Russia during Tuesday's Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show
Sam Allardyce reckons Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is the right choice as England’s number one for the World Cup.
With Joe Hart dropped after a frustrating season on loan at West Ham from Manchester City, there was a three-way battle for the starting spot between the sticks in Russia.
But Pickford beat Stoke City’s Jack Butland and Burnley’s Nick Pope to the No.1 shirt.
While that doesn't guarantee his place, it appears the 24-year-old will be the man to start for England in Monday's opener against Tunisia - LIVE on talkSPORT.
Having joined Everton from Sunderland for a whopping £25million last summer, Pickford impressed in his first season for Everton - being named the club’s Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.
And Allardyce, who coached the goalkeeper during spells in charge at Goodison Park and the Stadium of Light, insists he is the Three Lions’ best option.
Speaking on Tuesday’s Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, the former England manager said: “He’s an old head on young shoulders, he does so many good things and he’s so consistent.
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“The big question at the start of the season was whether he could handle the £25million fee on his head at such a young age - he was their player of the year!
“That’s not just me being obviously slightly biased because I worked with him at Sunderland and Everton, but everyone at Everton saw him as the best and most consistent performer in the entire season.
“That says it all and that’s why he should start for England in Russia.”
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