Jordan Pickford added yet another feather to his cap as England’s number 1 after keeping yet another clean sheet as the Three Lions beat Wales 3-0 at Wembley.
England made quick work of their neighbours with three first-half goals from Morgan Rogers (3’), Ollie Watkins (11’) and Bukayo Saka (20’), securing a comfortable win. It was England’s sixth victory in seven games under Thomas Tuchel.
More importantly, though, it was the eighth clean sheet on the trot for Pickford, who has become the first goalkeeper to achieve this record.
The previous record belonged to the legendary Gordon Banks, with the last game of his record coming in the 1966 World Cup quarter-final.
“It’s not easy to stay focused in a dominant first half like that. Have basically nothing to do,” Tuchel lauded Pickford after the game.
“And then suddenly, I think in the 42nd minute, there’s situation where it always can be dangerous. And second half, he had a very difficult save to close his legs very fast.
“He’s a fantastic shot stopper. There is no doubt about it.
“Today there was a challenge for him because they pressed us high. And we want to escape the pressing. We want to have the chance to escape the pressing, also with short passes, and not only with long shots from him. So, he did very well.
“He kept his composure. He kept calm. This is basically what we demand of him. He stayed calm, kept his focus.”
Tuchel also praised Pickford’s ability to adapt to his tactical demands as he added: “It’s like, always a team effort, and I think he’s happy to share this with at least the defenders in front of him.
“But with a defensive approach that we make it the least saves possible from him, but he’s doing good.
“Well done, congratulations. Fantastic achievement.”
Even as popular media outlets continue to suggest alternatives to Pickford’s undisputed status as England’s number 1, the Everton goalkeeper continues to make history.
Pickford’s run of nine consecutive clean sheets began with clean sheets against Ireland and Greece in November 2024, with Lee Carsley being at the helm of the national team on an interim basis.
During that period, he’s faced Greece, Ireland, Albania, Latvia, Serbia, Wales and Andorra twice.
The Everton goalkeeper is yet to concede a goal since Tuchel took over as manager and England’s only loss under the German, a 3-1 defeat to Senegal, came with Dean Henderson in goal.
England will travel to Riga to face Latvia in the eighth round of the World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.
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