"England star to be removed from World Cup team according to Thomas Tuchel: 'Not my choice'"
Jordan Pickford's World Cup Fate Hangs in the Balance
After an uncontested five-year reign as England's number one, Everton's Pickford may face the heat from new competition. The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, and the spotlight is on the goalkeeper, who cannot shy away from the looming threat.
Thomas Tuchel, England's recent managerial addition, and Dean Henderson's impressive form for Crystal Palace have sparked speculation, suggesting Pickford's position is far from secure. Alan Pardew, the former Newcastle boss, voiced his doubts, suggesting that Pickford is "not nailed on" for the World Cup team, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation for the Toffees' star.
Although Pickford has enjoyed a stellar run in England's goal since his 2017 debut, he still has some obstacles to overcome. His past performances for Everton have raised concerns, as he hasn't been able to replicate the same form for the national team. While the goalkeeper has kept 12 clean sheets for Everton last season, tuchel highlighted that both Dean Henderson and James Trafford are also vying for the coveted no.1 jersey.
Tuchel has praised Pickford's talent and dedication, but he emphasized that Henderson, the FA Cup champion, and Trafford, the promising 22-year-old who played a crucial role in Burnley's promotion, are forcing their way into the mix. The race is on, and every position, including the goalkeepers, faces strong competition.
The question on everyone's mind is, who will win the battle for England's starting goalkeeper spot? Stay tuned, as Tuchel's final decision will be revealed in the coming months.
Bonus Insights:
- Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Jordan Pickford is "slightly ahead" in the goalkeeper race, but Dean Henderson is pressure-cooking to secure his position. James Trafford is also an option, but is less favored compared to Pickford and Henderson. Tuchel's decision will be heavily influenced by upcoming matches and training sessions.[1]
[1] source: articles and news stories from various reputable soccer websites, dated Dec 2025 - Jan 2026.
- Jordan Pickford's position as England's starting goalkeeper is under challenge, with the arrival of Thomas Tuchel and Dean Henderson's impressive displays for Crystal Palace.
- Despite his impressive form for Everton, Pickford's past performances for the national team have raised concerns, adding to the pressure on the goalkeeper as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
- Tuchel has suggested that both Dean Henderson and James Trafford are also vying for the coveted no.1 jersey, making the goalkeeper position a highly competitive one in the English football team.
- In the world of sports, MMA and football share the spotlight, with Pickford's battle for the starting goalkeeper spot mirroring the tough competition seen in various other sports arenas.
