Jordan Pickford goes past Gordon Banks to create Three Lions history | OneFootball

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.

Reader Comments (14)

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My Number 1. I believe the world's Number 1. I rate him better than Big Nev. However, like any comparison with different periods, times were massively different back then and no way a fair comparison can be levelled. Both great keepers and both great characters, albeit contrasting.

Everton have had some fantastic keepers over the decades.Well done Jordan. You deserve all the accolades that most people think but will not say. You make me proud and I cannot thank you enough for honouring our club with your wonderful skill.

You play from the heart and it's clear you love Everton.

3 Posted 10/10/2025 at 16:42:12

Just a shame that he does not get the recognition he fully deserves just because he does not play for a Sky Sports Top 6 team.

Fully appreciated seeing him in an Everton shirt, and those who don't, ask yourself who could replace him and at what cost. Long may he continue in a specialized position.

Jay Harris 4 Posted 10/10/2025 at 17:43:17

He has matured significantly in recent seasons but imo he is light years away from Big Nev, the world's greatest goalkeeper at one point.

Pickford does not command his area as well as I would like and does not catch or hold the ball. I know this is a modern practice but it often leads to goals against. On the other hand, Pickford is good with his feet, another modern trend.

You don't see many one-on-ones these days but, for me, that was Nev's biggest strength. You would always feel confident he would save anything thrown at him or coming at him.

Frank Wade 6 Posted 10/10/2025 at 18:57:44

Hi Dave, matches for Banks were:

2-0 Yugoslavia, 3-0 Finland, 1-0 Poland, 0-0 Uruguay, 2-0 Mexico, 2-0 France, 1-0 Argentina.

May thru July 1966. See records here Link

The stats speak for themselves both for England and for Everton.

People will pick them apart though.

What amazes me is that people can't see what's in front of them. He's not just a good keeper, he's an outstanding keeper. Yet I still hear other clubs' supporters describe him as a liability. And media question whether he's that good.

I have had a few debates with reds where they've claimed he's rubbish. My response nowadays is to say it's not even worth discussing -- that their statement doesn't even pass for an opinion. It's objectively wrong.

Michael Kenrick 10 Posted 10/10/2025 at 20:26:43

A lot of remarkable blather from Tuchel there, considering the bollocks he spouted about his English players having to play for a Big Club in Europe — not plucky little Everton!

Eric Myles 11 Posted 11/10/2025 at 07:23:46

Frank #6, I don't know how good, or bad, those teams were that Banks faced back in the day but I'd expext that if some were in the World Cup games there'd have been a bit more pressure than in Pickford's games, although we were at home.

Steve Shave 12 Posted 11/10/2025 at 07:25:20

Well done, Jordan, a fantastic goalkeeper who we are lucky to call one of our own.

For some reason, this lad will never get the credit he deserves, especially for England, who he has never let down and has been remarkably consistent for.

Pickford was his own worst enemy when he first came to Everton. He played like a madman, or school kid, rushing around, bashing into people, screaming like a lunatic at his defenders etc,…

That impression has stayed with most non-Evertonians and pundits but those of us who watch him on a weekly basis know just how much he has grown up and matured. I used to cover my face with my hands watching Jordan sometimes thinking, what the fuck is he doing?

He’s still mad as a hatter but he’s now a man and a leader. Long may it continue. Well done Pickers.