Jordan Pickford battle with ‘special’ England rival tipped to bring out best in Everton star

Former Everton and Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford believes the competition between Jordan Pickford and James Trafford will bring out the best in the Everton goalkeeper. Both goalkeepers were selected for two matches each by England manager Thomas Tuchel during the previous international break. Beckford noted that Pickford faces a similar dynamic to when he initially challenged Joe Hart for the England starting role.

Pickford holds the record for the most England caps while playing for Everton with 93 appearances, alongside a record 18 World Cup appearances for the national side. Meanwhile, Trafford joined Leeds United from Manchester City in a £40m deal in July and has kept clean sheets in nearly half of his first 10 appearances. Everton manager David Moyes also recently praised Pickford's form following his return from the 2026 World Cup.