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Gareth Southgate Has Reportedly Picked His Goalkeeper For The World Cup

Gareth Southgate Has Reportedly Picked His Goalkeeper For The World Cup

Who will the England's number one.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Exactly who to pick as his number one goalkeeper might be one of the biggest decisions that Gareth Southgate makes for the World Cup this summer but rather than wait he has reportedly picked already.

Once upon a time England could rely on David Seaman, Paul Robinson and more recently Joe Hart. They were first choice goalkeepers and rightly so, there was no denying their place in the pecking order really.

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Then Hart became pretty bad, failed to impress Pep Guardiola, failed at Torino and was even worse at West Ham and suddenly Gareth Southgate had a problem on his hands, namely whose hands could he trust.

Even in November Southgate was suggesting that Hart would be his number one but between then and the fixtures in the last week Hart has barely played for the Hammers opening the way for Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford and the Burnley duo of Nick Pope and Tom Heaton.

Pickford took the gloves against Netherlands and Butland was between the sticks for Italy, an audition each then. According to the Mirror following those games Southgate has decided that Everton's Pickford will be his number one in the summer.

Pickford makes a rare save against Netherlands. Image: PA Images.
Pickford makes a rare save against Netherlands. Image: PA Images.

Having played for Sunderland last season in their relegation campaign before moving to the Toffees for this season, a year in which they have struggled, being behind a shaky defence is something Pickford is used to.

More than that though it might be Pickford's ability to use his feet as well as his hands. The 24 year old's distribution is excellent and playing the ball from the back is clearly something Southgate has got his team to work on.

Butland will be unlucky not be number one. Image: PA Images
Butland will be unlucky not be number one. Image: PA Images

Jesse Lingard's goal against Netherlands last Friday, the only goal in the game, started from the back with Pickford playing a short ball out to defence before the ball went through several phases, eventually getting to Lingard.

Butland will then step into the number two role as Pickford's backup and Joe Hart will seemingly provide experienced cover as the third choice goalie, meaning there's no place for either Claret.

Will Pickford go on to get the gloves for many years to come or become the next Scott Carson?

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Topics: Football News, England, World Cup