Needs to be playing for a Champions League team.

Trafford has come through City so has that pedigree that commentators love. Pickford has never played for a popular club, and probably never will do.

The facts:

Pickford holds the historic English record for the most consecutive clean sheets without conceding a goal (9 matches).

He holds the record for the most major tournament clean sheets by an English keeper.

Before Pickford, England were notorious for losing penalty shootouts. He fundamentally changed that narrative by saving penalties in every single international shootout he has faced, including pivotal saves that secured historic tournament progressions.


The negative narrative:

His vocal pride in his roots naturally makes him a constant target for Newcastle United’s horse punching supporters.

As the long-standing number one for Everton, he is a central figure in matches against the RS.
Flashpoints like his fair but robust tackle on Van Twerk permanently solidified his status as an antagonist for the full kit telly-clappers.

Therefore any error Pickford makes is instantly magnified and broadcast across social media far more than other keepers.

English football media regularly builds up a ‘flavour of the month’ challenger (Pope, Ramsdale, or more recently, Trafford).

Well according to the BBC site, he was the lowest rated England player, and they saw fit to add '....Not tested but was lucky to not concede with Mateo Kovacic's incredible miss...'

No goals
No assists

RUBBISH.

In the closing stages,one of the most subtle pieces of superb goalkeeping I've ever seen, totally un noticed by Comms and Dixon (shock) rare Croatia shot on goal,Pickers outstretches arm to save,nano second later, obviously realising it's going wide,folds fingers into palm so as not to concede a corner at 7-0 up, absolutely outstanding and totally meant,zero credit given.

Newspapers tomorrow

“Pickford underwhelms as England score 7”.

“Jordan Pickford demonstrates why he needs to do more to ensure he doesn’t lose his #1 spot to Leeds star Trafford…”