Pickford eyes World Cup glory as Rooney backs England’s No 1
Jordan Pickford, England’s record-breaking goalkeeper, reveals his hunger to end 60 years of hurt this summer, with Wayne Rooney declaring him on course to become the Three Lions’ greatest ever custodian. The Everton star, who holds the national record for most consecutive clean sheets, insists the squad is ready to go one step further at the tournament in North America.
England’s World Cup dreams now hinge on the shoulders of a man who has spent years preparing for this moment. Jordan Pickford, 32, has broken records, silenced critics, and carried the hopes of a nation on his back—yet he insists there is still work to be done. Speaking exclusively to former teammate Wayne Rooney on his show, Pickford admitted the weight of expectation is heavier than ever as the Three Lions prepare to compete in North America this summer.
Key Points
- ✅ Pickford holds England’s record for most consecutive clean sheets
- ⚡ Rooney calls him on track to become England’s greatest goalkeeper
- 💡 England’s men’s team last won a major trophy in 1966
For the first time in his career, Pickford arrives at a World Cup as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, a status he has fought to maintain since his debut in 2017. But the Everton man refuses to take his place for granted, with the 2026 tournament serving as his next target. "I’ve never just been happy about being number one," Pickford said. "It’s about how I can sustain that and keep improving. The 2026 World Cup is a target—one we all want to achieve."
Rooney, England’s all-time top scorer, sees Pickford’s leadership and consistency as the backbone of a squad that has come agonisingly close in recent years. "We need something as a nation to win," Pickford told Rooney. "Everybody needs it. It’s only going to push the England badge forward. We’ve been so close to winning something for England, so we can take that leadership and experience and bring it all together."
| Aspect | Pickford’s Record | England’s Recent Form |
|---|---|---|
| Tournaments Played | 4 major tournaments (2018 WC, Euro 2021, 2022 WC, Euro 2024) | Two European finals lost, two World Cup semi/quarter-finals |
| Clean Sheets | Consecutive record of 12 | Defensive lapses in high-pressure games |
| Age at Next WC | 33 | Squad includes players aged 20-32 |
Pickford’s journey to England’s starting XI was far from straightforward. Called up late to the national squad in 2016 for a World Cup qualifier in Slovenia, he arrived to find every seat on the team bus taken. Facing a nervous initiation, he ended up sitting next to Rooney, a moment that would define his early England career. "I was shaking," Pickford recalled. "I was texting my mates saying, ‘I’m opposite Wazza.’ I couldn’t believe it."
💡 Pro Tip
Goalkeepers must treat every training session like a final—consistency in drills, communication with defenders, and mental resilience are the difference between being remembered or forgotten.
The bond between Pickford and Rooney extends beyond the pitch. Both have worn the Everton shirt over 300 times combined and shared the same dream: to lift a trophy with England. Rooney, now a pundit, believes Pickford’s next chapter could surpass even his own legacy. "Jordan has the potential to be England’s greatest goalkeeper," Rooney said. "He’s got the mentality, the fitness, and the performances to back it up."
📋 By The Numbers
- 550 — Combined Everton appearances by Pickford and Rooney
- 202 — Combined England caps for the duo
- 60 years — Since England last won a major tournament
As the World Cup looms, Pickford’s focus remains razor-sharp. "I love being at Everton," he said, "but representing England is different. There’s a fire in your belly when you pull on that shirt. We’ve tasted near-success, and now we want to finish the job."
- Preparation — Pickford has trained with Everton but also maintained a personal regime to stay match-fit for England.
- Mental Toughness — Rooney highlighted Pickford’s ability to bounce back from errors, a trait England’s past goalkeepers often struggled with.
- Legacy — If England win in 2026, Pickford could become the first goalkeeper to lift the World Cup since Gordon Banks in 1966.