England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is currently the only one from last year’s England Euros squad not to have a major trophy to his name. After eight years of loyalty to Everton, a club that has lately been tied to relegation scares and financial troubles, there could be a turning point on the horizon.
The new era is being led by manager David Moyes and owner Dan Friedkin, with Goodison Park now a thing of the past for Pickford and the club alike as they push for brighter days. Despite an opening defeat at Leeds, Everton’s new home and the bold loan signing of Jack Grealish signal ambitions beyond mere survival.
“Crystal Palace lifting the FA Cup last season shows what’s possible, and it serves as a template for us to win silverware too,” Pickford, capped 76 times by England, says. He has long harbored European ambitions during his time at Everton, now entering his ninth season, and is eager for a fresh chapter.
The new environment isn’t only about a bigger stadium or a star on loan; it’s about a squad that feels primed to mix it with the league’s best. Everton are reportedly preparing to recruit a £40 million teenager, Tyler Dibling, as part of their summer business, while Grealish’s arrival has been framed as a statement of intent. Pickford has already spoken privately with Grealish during the transfer window and describes him as someone who would “love it here,” calling the club a proper home and insisting the move could be a box-tick moment for him personally.
“He’s got real presence. He’s always smiling and lights the place up. Training with him is a delight, and his arrival is massive for Everton,” Pickford says of Grealish. The England keeper also notes that the club is bringing in players who have won titles, suggesting a push to reach higher finishes and challenge for Europe.
Pickford and Grealish are longtime friends from the England ranks, and the goalkeeper reflects on the added motivation that such relationships bring as he pursues a first major trophy with Everton. He also acknowledges the growing competition for the No.1 jersey, with James Trafford at Manchester City and Dean Henderson playing a significant role at Crystal Palace, making staying at the top of his game more important than ever.
“People will try to question my shirt,” Pickford adds, “but as long as I keep improving, it’s my shirt to hold onto. It’s about delivering performances for the Everton badge, which will translate to success for England.”
The evolution of football has also changed the way goalkeepers are judged, with footwork and distribution now as crucial as traditional shot-stopping. Pickford stresses the importance of this broader skill set, noting his own 60-yard diagonals as a tool in the modern game.
Everton’s captaincy ally James Tarkowski is another key figure for Pickford, embodying the fearless, old-school defender ethos the keeper praises. Tarkowski’s willingness to throw his body on the line is exactly the style Pickford says the team needs as they prepare to host teams like Brighton in a state-of-the-art new stadium.
Summary: Jordan Pickford remains England’s first-choice goalkeeper while Everton embark on a high-ambition era under Moyes and Friedkin, with the loan signing of Jack Grealish and a new stadium fueling belief that silverware may finally be within reach.
Additional comments and analysis:
– The combination of a new stadium, smarter recruitment, and an injection of winning experience could shift Everton from struggle to steadier top-half contention.
– Pickford’s leadership and the growing competition for the No.1 jersey should raise the standard across the squad, though the club must avoid overreliance on individual talents and ensure cohesion.
– If Grealish integrates smoothly and young prospects like Dibling develop, Everton could see a faster rise in consistency and European qualification prospects.
Positive note: The blend of ambition, fresh leadership, and a sense of renewal around the club could renew Everton’s momentum and provide Pickford a genuine platform to finally win silverware with his boyhood club.
Negative sentiment: None identified in the provided material.