Jordan Pickford is facing a fight for the England No 1 shirt under new boss Thomas Tuchel ahead of 2026 World Cup
- Jordan Pickford has been the undisputed England No 1 since the 2018 World Cup
- He started the shock defeat by Greece before missing the match against Finland
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Jordan Pickford will be under pressure to retain his place as England’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of World Cup 2026.
Everton keeper Pickford has been the national team’s first choice keeper ever since World Cup 2018 as he established himself as Gareth Southgate’s undisputed No 1.
Pickford started in last week’s shock loss against Greece, where he delivered a below-par performance before losing his place for the win against Finland.
Interim head coach Lee Carsley insisted it was always his plan to give Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson a game in the previous international break and that Pickford’s omission against Finland should not be viewed as a demotion.
However, it is understood that Pickford will face a fight to retain his place as England’s No 1 upon Tuchel’s arrival.
Jordan Pickford's status as undisputed England No 1 will be under pressure ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Dean Henderson took his place for the match in Finland though interim boss Lee Carsley underlined that it was pre-planned
Thomas Tuchel was appointed the new England boss from January 2025 on Wednesday
The lack of an obvious replacement for Pickford could work in the 30-year-old’s favour, while his vast tournament experience will also aid his cause.
Henderson, Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale are among the players who could emerge as contenders for Pickford’s spot.
Burnley keeper James Trafford is rated highly by coaching staff at England headquarters, but the fact he is playing Championship football is expected to preclude his selection this season.
Meanwhile, Tuchel is looking to finalise his staff with Chelsea goalkeeper coach Hilario, with whom he worked with at Stamford Bridge, understood to be among his targets.
The FA are yet to make an official approach to Chelsea for Hilario, but the Portuguese is believed to be on Tuchel’s radar.
Chelsea’s head of performance analyst James Melbourne is also set to join.
