David James has backed Jordan Pickford to retain his place as England's starting goalkeeper despite the performances of Everton in the Premier League and those of Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The Everton stopper has been a regular under Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate and has rewarded the faith from his manager with some excellent performances.
Pickford was crucial to England making the semi-final of the previous World Cup and was a foundational piece in the side's run to the final of the European Championships last summer.
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While England eventually came up just short against Italy in the final after penalties, Pickford saved two efforts in the shootout and was again one of the team's best individual performers in a tournament where the side only conceded two goals.
Despite his heroics for the national team, there continues to be questions asked about the 28-year-old's spot, with Ramsdale tipped as a possible rival. The former Sheffield United 'keeper has enjoyed a strong debut campaign with the Gunners, helping them compete for a Champions League berth.
But former England goalkeeper James said to PA news (h/t the Independent ) he believes Pickford can win the fight ahead of the Qatar showpiece at the end of the year: "I think this is one of these kind of paradox things about England; you have to play well at club level to get into England, but once you’re in and established then arguably it’s your England form that will lose you that position.
"One thing Jordan hasn’t done is let his country down with regards to his performances. I was at the semi-final and the final at the Euros. He was equal to (Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi) Donnarumma in that final.
"Unfortunately, it was an England penalty that was missed that cost the final – he saved as many as Donnarumma and his performance in it was fantastic. So, again, Jordan Pickford answers any critic with regards to his England form."
James added that "Jordan for no reason would be dropped just because Ramsdale’s fighting for the top four with Arsenal."
