England’s Goalkeeper Options: A Deep Dive into the Three Lions’ Number One Race

For decades, England’s national football team has grappled with the perennial debate surrounding its goalkeeping position. Unlike nations like Italy, famously boasting a lineage of legendary shot-stoppers, the Three Lions have often seen a revolving door or, conversely, an unshakeable loyalty to a favoured first choice. With a new era dawning under the leadership of former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel, the landscape for England’s goalkeepers could be set for a significant shake-up.

Jordan Pickford has long been Gareth Southgate’s undisputed number one, but Tuchel’s arrival might usher in a fresh perspective, potentially opening the door for new contenders. Here, we delve into the current crop of English goalkeepers, ranking their prospects for the coveted national team spot.

9. Jason Steele: A Premier League Revelation, Now a Second Choice

Jason Steele’s emergence at Brighton during the 2022–23 season was one of the Premier League’s most surprising stories. Replacing Robert Sánchez mid-campaign, the former England Under-21 international impressed under Roberto De Zerbi, showcasing his distribution and shot-stopping abilities. While he shared minutes with Bart Verbruggen in 2024–25, the arrival of Fabian Hürzeler has seen him relegated to second choice. Though unlikely to earn an England call-up, his journey highlights the depth of talent in English football.

8. Alex Palmer: Ipswich’s Standout Amidst Relegation

Alex Palmer’s January 2025 move to Ipswich Town saw him immediately thrust into Premier League action, where he delivered a standout performance at Villa Park. Despite Ipswich’s subsequent relegation, Palmer was a consistent performer in the latter half of the 2024–25 campaign. While playing in the Championship will undoubtedly hinder his immediate England prospects, his individual displays suggest he possesses the quality to compete at the highest level.

7. Sam Johnstone: Premier League Pedigree Keeping Hopes Alive

After losing his number one spot at Crystal Palace to Dean Henderson and then moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers in summer 2024, Sam Johnstone endured a challenging 2024–25 season, making just seven Premier League starts. However, Johnstone’s previous England caps and solid Premier League experience ensure he remains a peripheral figure in the conversation. If he can secure regular top-flight football, his name could resurface on Tuchel’s radar.

6. Jack Butland: Scottish Resurgence, International Ambitions

Once touted as England’s long-term answer in goal, Jack Butland earned nine international caps before his career trajectory dipped. His move to Rangers, however, has revitalised his form. Butland kept over 20 clean sheets in 2023–24 and added 14 more the following season, despite an injury setback. While playing in the Scottish Premiership lessens his immediate chances compared to his Premier League counterparts, his impressive statistics and renewed confidence mean the door to international football isn’t entirely shut.

5. Aaron Ramsdale: A Fresh Start at Newcastle to Rebuild His Case

Aaron Ramsdale’s talent is undeniable, yet his career has been marked by a peculiar statistic: three Premier League relegations with three different clubs (Bournemouth, Sheffield United, and Southampton). This record, while not solely his fault, has undoubtedly impacted his England prospects. His recent summer move to Newcastle United for the 2025/26 season offers a crucial opportunity to rebuild his reputation. Competing with Nick Pope at a club with European aspirations could provide the platform he needs to push back into national team contention, much like his brief, impressive spell at Arsenal.

4. Nick Pope: Newcastle’s Consistent Shot-Stopper

Nick Pope is the formidable opponent Aaron Ramsdale will face for the starting spot at St. James’ Park. Since his 2022 arrival, Pope has been a consistently impressive performer for Newcastle, playing a pivotal role in their back-to-back Champions League qualifications and EFL Cup triumph. His acrobatic shot-stopping is a major asset. However, his perceived limitations with the ball at his feet—a trait highly valued by modern managers like Tuchel—could be a hurdle in his bid for the England number one shirt.

3. Dean Henderson: FA Cup Heroics Propel Him Forward

Dean Henderson’s permanent move to Crystal Palace in summer 2023 started with a serious thigh injury, limiting his early impact. However, Sam Johnstone’s injury and subsequent departure paved the way for Henderson to seize the number one shirt, and he hasn’t looked back. His performances throughout the 2024/25 season were stellar, culminating in heroic displays during Palace’s remarkable FA Cup run, where they stunned Manchester City to lift the trophy. This high-profile success has significantly boosted his England credentials, making him a strong contender.

2. James Trafford: The Future of England’s Goal

James Trafford may not be England’s first-choice goalkeeper yet, but he is undoubtedly the future. His 2024–25 campaign with Burnley was nothing short of extraordinary, as he kept a record-breaking 29 clean sheets in 45 Championship games, conceding just 16 goals en route to promotion. Crucially, Trafford is still in his early twenties, making him significantly younger than his rivals. His return to boyhood club Manchester City as their new number one, under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, Ederson, and elite goalkeeping coaches, positions him perfectly for rapid development. Expect to see him challenging for the senior squad very soon.

1. Jordan Pickford: The Incumbent, For Now

Jordan Pickford remains a polarising figure among England fans, often criticised for high-profile errors, such as his infamous fumble in the Merseyside derby. However, in recent seasons, he has significantly reduced these mistakes, evolving into a consistent and dependable presence for both Everton and England. He was Gareth Southgate’s undisputed number one, rarely letting the Three Lions down during their run to the Euro 2024 final. While Thomas Tuchel’s appointment could indeed shake things up, Pickford’s current status as England’s first-choice goalkeeper appears secure—for now. His experience in major tournaments and improved consistency give him the edge in this fiercely contested race.

The arrival of Thomas Tuchel promises an exciting new chapter for England’s goalkeeping selection. While Jordan Pickford holds the top spot, the likes of Dean Henderson and the rapidly ascending James Trafford are hot on his heels, ensuring a compelling battle for the Three Lions’ number one jersey in the years to come.

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