Ever since he first got into the England squad nearly eight years ago, Everton’s Jordan Pickford always seemed destined to take ahold of the number one shirt.
First selected as Joe Hart’s understudy, there was hardly a deep pool of goalkeepers to choose from after the former Manchester City man saw international career cut short.
And so, when given the opportunity to fill his boots, it is hard to argue against the suggestion that Pickford did so with ease.
Having now amassed 63 caps, beating out the likes of David James and Paul Gascoigne, he is a modern-day England great, and would be widely regarded as such were it not for a few poor penalties from his teammates.
Aaron Ramsdale, largely touted as his closest competition for that spot, has finally opened up about their battle for the role.
Aaron Ramsdale opens up about England battle with Jordan Pickford
For years now, it has only ever really been a two-horse race to try and claim the spot as England goalkeeper.
And whilst Pickford is often a lightning rod for criticism, justified or not, Ramsdale earned a huge backing when he moved to Arsenal and played a big role in their successes.
The Englishman was just as reckless as the former Sunderland man, but because he sat behind one of the best defences in the Premier League, that did not matter. He would always end matches having rarely been called into action.
However, overcoming such a mass outcry to displace Pickford for Ramsdale, the former has remained, leaving the latter to explain what it is like to always be chasing.
He told the official England YouTube channel: ‘I have said many times. We have all wanted to play. Jordan Pickford has had this shirt for nearly eight years. I have tried my hardest to get it off him, and so have five, six, seven others, and he is doing superbly well.
‘But also we have to give ourselves a bit of credit for that as well because on the training pitch how much we push him every day.’
This comes just days after Gabby Agbonlahor slammed Pickford for one ‘ridiculous’ thing he keeps doing for England.
Everton fans have every right to be proud of Jordan Pickford
Over the last few years, it is fair to say that Evertonians have had little to shout about.
After all, with financial distress and relegation threats looming large, their faith has truly been tested.
So, with what few positives they have had, the fanbase have clung to desperately. Pickford stands out as the paramount example of such positivity.
Having been a mainstay throughout this dark period, single-handedly saving them from the drop at times too, his energetic and enthusiastic personality has made him one of the most revered figures at Goodison Park.
So, to go and see him continue his fine form for his country is always a source of pride. Hopefully, he can continue knocking down records before he calls time on his international career.