Weighing up England’s goalkeeper options

Jordan Pickford has been England’s consistent number one since the 2018 World Cup and looks to be Southgate’s first choice for the Nations League. But, if we look at the stats, is he the best option?

We have broken down the seasons of the five English goalkeepers we think are the most likely to get into the national team: Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope, who are currently in the England squad, as well as Sam Johnstone and Joe Hart, who have had particularly good seasons for their clubs. 

So, do we stick with the Everton man? Go with something fresh with Ramsdale, Pope or Johnstone? Or even have a throwback to Joe Hart? Read this article and make up your mind. 

  

Jordan Pickford 

Jordan Pickford has had a reputation for making some big mistakes for Everton… we all remember THAT Divock Origi goal in the Merseyside derby… but he’s actually had a very impressive season for the Toffees, winning the Everton player of the season award. 

He made some huge saves in Everton’s last few games and clean sheets against the likes of Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea were vital in their relegation scrap. He also won the Premier League save of the season award for an unbelievable save in their 1-0 win over Chelsea. 

However, the stats don’t lie: he has conceded more goals this season than any other goalkeeper on this list, averaging 1.66 per game. Sure, he’s not been helped by some woeful performances from the shoddy Everton defence, but the point remains. 

Although without him, Everton would have probably been in the Championship next season. 

Played: 35 

Saves: 117 

Conceded: 58 

Conceded per game: 1.66 

Clean Sheets: 7 

  

Aaron Ramsdale 

Arsenal’s charismatic GK Aaron Ramsdale was seen as a bit of a punt when the Gunners bought him from Sheffield United, but he’s definitely lived up to expectations. 

In 34 games this season he’s conceded just 39 goals and kept 12 clean sheets – the 5th best in the Premier League. He’s certainly one of the first names on Mikel Arteta’s team sheet for next season. 

Ramsdale will no doubt be in Southgate’s mind for the Nations League and the World Cup later this year. It will ultimately depend on performances at the start of next season over whether he pips Jordan Pickford to go between the sticks in Qatar. 

But if we’re purely going off stats, Ramsdale has had a much better season than Pickford. 

Played: 34 

Saves: 90 

Conceded: 39 

Conceded per game: 1.14 

Clean Sheets: 12 

  

Nick Pope 

Burnley may have been relegated from the Premier League this season, but that was certainly not the fault of their go-to goalkeeper Nick Pope, who has had an excellent campaign. 

Despite Burnley winning just seven games, Pope managed to keep nine clean sheets for the Clarets. He also made more saves than any other goalkeeper in this article. Without him, Burnley would have been down and out a long time ago. 

He’s an impressive keeper and it’s unsurprising to see the likes of Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Southampton battling for his signature. He certainly deserves a chance for England and maybe he will get one in the Nations League. 

Played: 36 

Saves: 121 

Conceded: 47 

Conceded per game: 1.3 

Clean Sheets: 9 

 

Sam Johnstone 

It would be somewhat unusual for a keeper from the Championship to get England’s number one shirt but Sam Johnstone’s excellent performances for West Brom this season may well deserve a call up in the coming months. 

Although he was selected for the 2021 Euros, Johnstone did not play a game. But, he has yet again had a solid season, keeping 15 clean sheets in 36 games for the Baggies – the fourth most in the Championship. Considering West Brom finished in a lowly 10th place, this is very impressive. 

He was released by West Brom after coming to the end of his contract and several Premier League clubs are interested in him, so if he has a good start to the season, he may well be in contention for the World Cup.   

Played: 36 

Saves: 72 

Conceded: 33 

Conceded per game: 0.92 

Clean Sheets: 15 

  

Joe Hart 

Ok. I know what you’re thinking and no, you haven’t gone back in time to 2014. But the truth is Joe Hart has actually had a pretty good season for Celtic. 

He’s been their first choice throughout the season and has conceded just 16 goals in 30 games, keeping 19 clean sheets, the most of any keeper in the SPL. He also statistically concedes the least number of goals per game of any GK in this article. 

However, we need to remember he’s playing for the second placed team in the SPL, so it is not as difficult to keep clean sheets as it is in the PL or arguably even the Championship. 

Nevertheless, 35-year-old Joe Hart has made a surprisingly good comeback at Celtic. It’s unlikely we’ll see him in an England shirt again but going off stats… he’s actually one of the best candidates. 

Played: 30 

Saves: 54 

Conceded: 16 

Conceded per game: 0.53 

Clean Sheets: 19