Chris Kirkland lauds Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford

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Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford could earn his first England cap on Friday.

Chris Kirkland has told Sky Sports’ The Debate on Tuesday evening that Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is one of the best stoppers he has played alongside.

Pickford, 23, is in line to pick up his first England cap in the coming days, as Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions face Germany on Friday before playing host to Brazil next Tuesday.

Former Sunderland stopper Pickford worked with Kirkland during a 2015-16 loan spell to Championship side Preston North End, and has been one of the rare shining lights in Everton’s side this term.

Ex-England and Liverpool goalkeeper Kirkland has claimed that Pickford should become England’s number one goalkeeper ahead of the double header, displacing West Ham stopper Joe Hart.

“It’s always been a debate, it’s always been a so-called problem [Selecting England’s number one],” Kirkland said. “No disrespect to Joe Hart, but I’d like to see Jordan Pickford given a go.

“I worked with him at Preston and some of the stuff that he can do amazes me. He’s one of the best I’ve ever worked with. I’d definitely take the three J’s to the World Cup (Hart, Butland and Pickford). But for me, long-term as well, Pickford for me.”

Pickford has been one of Everton’s stand-out performers during his 16 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees, despite only keeping three clean sheets as the Merseyside club’s defence continues to struggle.

It remains to be seen if Southgate will drop the out-of-form West Ham stopper Hart, with either Jack Butland or Pickford in line to be given the nod.