Jordan Pickford has hailed Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane as the best striker he has faced while speaking with talkSPORT, after working together in training with England.
The Everton goalkeeper even admitted he celebrates after denying the striker in training, as it is challenging to save his efforts on goal. Which should stand Pickford in good stead ahead of the Three Lions’ next World Cup qualifier, when they visit Poland.
Pickford will have to face Bayern Munich’s record-breaking attacker and Germany’s player of the season for 2020/21, Robert Lewandowski. The 33-year-old broke Gerd Muller’s 49-year record for most goals in a single-season with 41 in 29 games. He already has seven in four games in all competitions this term, and six in his last four international appearances.
Kane, who Pickford rates above Lewandowski, is yet to score in the Premier League after two outings this season. But ended the 2020/21 term with both the top scorer and top playmaker awards, after netting 23 and assisting 14. The 28-year-old has additionally found the back of the net six times over his last seven international appearances.
After converting from the spot against Andorra, Kane is just 13 goals behind England’s all-time record-scorer Wayne Rooney’s 53. And Pickford has suggested why Kane is so good.
“I get asked [who is the best striker I’ve faced] a lot and it’s Harry Kane because of his eye for goal,” Pickford said. “Luckily or unluckily, I’ve got to train with him every day with England. It’s great for goalkeepers because his striking ability, his eye for goal is unbelievable.
“It can only make goalkeepers better, even if you save one out of ten or five out of ten [shots]. It’s hard to save his shots, I celebrate when I do save them!”
Is Pickford praised Tottenham ace Kane the best striker in Europe?
While Pickford gets a first-hand look at Kane in England training sessions and has faced the Tottenham ace in the Premier League, the Everton goalkeeper is yet to face Poland and Bayern Munich star Lewandowski for either club or country in his career.
Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier between England and Poland, then, will see Pickford test himself against another of Europe’s best strikers. Gareth Southgate will hope Pickford’s work with Kane in training proves beneficial, with the Three Lions fighting for top spot.
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