Allardyce ‘absolutely certain’ Pickford can be England’s No.1

Sam Allardyce admits Jordan Pickford “can’t afford any mistakes” on England duty but the Everton boss is convinced the Everton goalkeeper can handle being Gareth Southgate’s No.1.

The Toffees boss was reluctant to discuss his interest in England midfielder Jack Wilshere but Allardyce was much happier talking about one of his own players, backing Pickford to be the Three Lions’ starting stopper.

“Nothing fazes this lad,” he told TalkSPORT. “Maturity for such a young age is all there and when that happens in someone as young and as talented as him he has the opportunity to take it,” added the boss.

“What he has to do for Gareth is have the performance to show he is capable of being number one so it is huge pressure on him if he plays against Holland.

“He can’t afford any mistakes in this game because it would sway Gareth’s decision on who is going to be number one and start in the World Cup.

“But I am absolutely certain Jordan can handle that pressure and produce a really quality performance if he needs to.

“At 24, we talk about goalkeepers not reaching their peak until they are 28 and coming into their 30s and if Jordan keeps working at his game with Martyn Margetson, who is the England goalkeeping coach, there is a great pairing to go forward there, not for Everton but for England.”

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