Jordan Pickford’s First Impressions of Thomas Tuchel
Jordan Pickford, the stalwart England goalkeeper, recently opened up about his initial conversations with new England boss Thomas Tuchel ahead of the upcoming international break. Tuchel, who is set to name his first England squad on Friday, March 14, for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, has been actively building relationships with potential squad members. Pickford, speaking to TNT Sports expert and former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, shared his thoughts on the new manager. "I know he’s been to a few games. He’ll text you if he’s coming to a game to say ‘good luck’," Pickford explained. "I had a FaceTime with him at the end of January after he started his full-time role. He seems like a great guy, and [England captain] Harry Kane speaks very highly of him. He’s a winner, and hopefully we can move forward."
A Fresh Start with Tuchel
Tuchel, a UEFA Champions League-winning manager with Chelsea, is tasked with leading England to even greater heights. England, under Gareth Southgate, reached the finals of two European Championships and the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the World Cup. Tuchel’s goal is to steer the team to victory in the upcoming World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. "We’ve been on some journeys so far," Pickford reflected. "Four tournaments I’ve been to now. Two finals, a quarters, and a semi. We’ve been that close to winning, and having the smell of winning, going back to your country and seeing your family and friends would have been the best feeling ever. But it’s made us hungry for the next challenge. For me, it’s about winning something for England. It’s not about breaking individual records. It’s about doing my best for the badge, for England, and lifting a trophy. I think everyone in the country wants England to win something."
Embracing the Change
Pickford’s transition under Tuchel marks a significant change, one that he is eager to embrace. "It’s a change. Changes happen all the time. It’s about embracing the challenge and getting ready for the World Cup," he noted. Tuchel’s approach to player engagement, including his use of FaceTime and regular communication, has left a positive impression on Pickford. "I spoke to Hilario, the keeper coach. He’s come to watch training. He speaks to me every week. He keeps in touch. It’s a new dynamic, and I’m excited to see how it all comes together."
Overcoming Adversity
Between 2016 and 2018, Pickford’s career trajectory was nothing short of remarkable, moving from a Sunderland understudy to a £30 million Everton keeper and England’s No. 1. However, his rise was not without its challenges. The 31-year-old has been candid about the early scrutiny he faced at Everton, particularly regarding his perceived rashness and over-exuberance. Pickford admitted that he sought help from a psychologist to overcome a dip in form and confidence. "In my career so far, I remember having that downward spiral. I had a blip and that’s when I reached out to a psychologist. I did a bit of work behind the scenes on who I wanted to be as a goalkeeper, what I wanted to achieve, and where I wanted to go. That gave me a different perspective on goalkeeping as well. It all came together at the moment."
Consistency and Growth
Despite the initial criticism, Pickford has grown into one of England’s most reliable goalkeepers. "I don’t really take much notice of [any scrutiny]. I know what I do Monday-to-Friday gives me the best opportunity [to perform]," he said. "I was a raw kid coming on the block as a 22-year-old or 23-year-old signing for Everton. I had a really good season, then a bit of a dip in form, and the media start getting on your back when you’re younger. It affects you, and you have to go back to the drawing board. I think I’ve really kicked on with my consistency across the last four or five seasons, and I think what I’m doing shows for club and country."
Everton’s Recent Form and Future Prospects
Pickford’s form at the club level has been a critical factor in his international success. Since the return of David Moyes as manager in January, Everton’s league form has improved significantly. "Just be consistent. Keep putting in performances," Pickford explained, describing Moyes’s expectations. "We’re very low on the XG chances against, so we’re defending really well, and that’s not just the back four and the goalkeeper. It’s the full team. So everyone’s putting a shift in. In possession, it’s about having options and knowing when to play short and when to play long. The manager and the staff give you the platform to do it, but then it’s down to me to make the right decision at the right time to execute what I’m going to do."
Looking Forward
As Tuchel prepares to name his first England squad, Pickford remains a near-certain inclusion. His resilience, consistency, and unwavering commitment to the team make him a valuable asset. With Tuchel at the helm, England has a chance to build on their recent successes and achieve the ultimate goal—a major tournament victory. "I think everyone in the country wants England to win something," Pickford concluded, reflecting the nation’s shared hope and ambition.
