Football pundit Jamie Carragher has delivered his unequivocal verdict on the England goalkeeping situation, stating that Jordan Pickford remains the undisputed first choice for the national team. The former Liverpool defender also shared his thoughts on a surprise call-up and his preferred candidate for the England manager's job in the future.
The Undisputed Number One
As the England squad prepares for its upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, Carragher has weighed in on the debate surrounding the goalkeeper position. He insists there is no discussion to be had, firmly backing Jordan Pickford as the nation's top choice.
'Pickford is England’s No.1 – it’s not even close,' Carragher told Metro, while promoting the Sky Bet and British Heart Foundation’s Every Minute Matters campaign. He pointed out that while Newcastle’s Nick Pope has Champions League experience and Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson helped his club win the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2025, neither has done enough to challenge Pickford's position.
The Everton goalkeeper, who has 80 caps for his country, was instrumental in England's run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the finals of both Euro 2020 and Euro 2024. Carragher is adamant that the 31-year-old will continue his fine form for the national side, predicting he will earn over 100 caps.
'The other two haven’t really done enough or are close enough to Pickford,' Carragher stated. 'They’ve just got no experience of playing for England because Pickford has been so consistent. I think he’s fine for at least another 18 months in England’s goal.'
A New Hope for English Talent
Carragher also commented on the inclusion of AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott in manager Thomas Tuchel's latest squad, a selection he believes sends a powerful message.
'I rate him,' Carragher said of Scott. 'But more importantly, it sounds like Tuchel rates him. When you see a call-up like that, I think it gives hope to a lot of players up and down the country.'
He emphasised that Tuchel's decision to leave out 'really big names' proves that selection is no longer a given based on reputation alone. 'It’s who deserves to be in the squad,' Carragher explained. 'Anybody has got an opportunity if they’re playing well and anyone can go out of the squad even if they think they’re a mainstay. I think that bodes well for every footballer up and down this country.'
Who Should Succeed Tuchel?
Looking further ahead, Carragher has identified his top candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel as England head coach, should the German's contract expire after the 2026 World Cup as planned.
When asked about potential successors like Eddie Howe or Frank Lampard, Carragher was decisive. 'Eddie Howe is the No.1 for me,' he declared. 'I wouldn’t be thinking about anyone else. It would be Howe.'
Carragher acknowledged the impressive work Howe has done at Newcastle United, getting them into the Champions League twice and winning a trophy. However, he suggested that the Magpies' boss may have reached his ceiling at the club.
'I think Howe has done a brilliant job at Newcastle – but I don’t think he can do any better there,' Carragher assessed, citing factors like ownership investment constraints and the loss of key players like Alexander Isak. 'He’d be the one I’d be pulling all the stops out to get for England.'
