England's goalkeeper options - ranked

There's a famous old Nike advert which features Paolo Maldini and the tagline 'Italy's goalkeeper - easiest job in Europe'.

Unfortunately for England, they don't have Maldini marshalling the defence, so it matters greatly who they have between the sticks.

Jordan Pickford has long been favoured as the country's best goalkeeper by Gareth Southgate, but the departure of the former Three Lions boss and the arrival of former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel could change things for the Everton stopper.

Here's 90min's ranking of England's goalkeeping options.

9. Jason Steele

Jason Steele was a surprise revelation for Brighton during 2022/23, replacing Robert Sanchez partway through the campaign.

The former England Under-21 goalkeeper impressed under Roberto De Zerbi and shared minutes with Bart Verbruggen last season. However, he's now very much the second-choice stopper under Fabian Hurzeler.

Now in his mid-30s, there is a strong possibility that Steele never makes a senior appearance for the national team.

8. Alex Palmer

Former West Brom goalkeeper joined Premier League side Ipswich Town in January and immediately impressed with a stellar performance at Villa Park.

The 28-year-old, however, is unlikely to be operating in the top flight for too much longer with Ipswich's relegation seemingly inevitable, and that will work against him when trying to work his way into Tuchel's thinking.

Still, his recent ascent means Palmer is a name worth keeping an eye on.

7. Sam Johnstone

Sam Johnstone was aiming to make it to back-to-back Euros squads having enjoyed a resurgent campaign with Crystal Palace in 2023/24.

However, his dreams of securing a ticket for the plane journey to Germany were squashed when he suffered a season-ending injury last April, opening the door for former teammate Dean Henderson to take his place.

Having been pushed out of the exit door at Selhurst Park, Johnstone has struggled to make in the west Midlands with Wolves. He's been relegated to back-up by Vitor Pereira, and we may not see him again this season after their FA Cup elimination.

6. Jack Butland

Jack Butland was once regarded as England's answer between the sticks and made nine caps for his country. However, for a while, his club career faded into obscurity and he's rarely been considered since.

A move to Rangers has thrust Butland back into the picture. He kept over 20 clean sheets in Scotland during 2023/24 and if he were playing in the Premier League, he may well have made the Euro 2024 squad.

There remains an outside chance that he still has a future with his country, as his resurgence has continued at Ibrox.

5. Aaron Ramsdale

It appeared that Ramsdale had a serious future with England after first emerging at Arsenal, even threatening to displace the reliable Pickford between the sticks.

However, David Raya's arrival in north London pushed Ramsdale down the pecking order, with a few notable errors justifying Mikel Arteta's decision to chop the stopper.

After a summer of speculation, the former Bournemouth and Sheffield United goalkeeper moved to newly-promoted Southampton for 2024/25.
However, it's been a torrid campaign for the Saints, and although Ramsdale hasn't been to blame for their issues, he hasn't covered himself in glory.

4. James Trafford

While Euro 2024 definitely came too early for James Trafford, he is someone to keep a close eye on moving forward.

Despite his benching towards the end of 2023/24, Trafford gained plenty of valuable experience during his debut Premier League season with Burnley. He was also the hero of England's Under-21s triumph at the European Championship in the summer of 2023, saving a stoppage-time penalty against Spain in the final.

Trafford has been nothing short of sensational in the second tier this season, with Burnley proving to be an impenetrable force thanks to his work between the sticks. The young goalkeeper's form hasn't gone unnoticed either, and he hopes to make his senior debut in March.

3. Nick Pope

If you're looking for a goalkeeper who is great with his hands and adept at keeping the ball out of the back of the net, Nick Pope is your man.

The former Burnley man has been in brilliant form ever since he arrived at Newcastle United but missed a massive chunk of the 2023/24 campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery.

The stopper missed Euro 2024 as a result and another injury issue likely played a role in his omission from Tuchel's first squad. However, Pope is fit again and it won't be long until he's back in the England frame.

2. Dean Henderson

After making the permanent switch to Crystal Palace in the summer of 2023, Dean Henderson didn't enjoy a great start to life in London.

A serious thigh injury restricted his game time upon arrival at Selhurst Park and he had to compete with Johnstone for minutes in 2023/24.

However, his teammate's injury blow opened the door for the former Manchester United goalkeeper and Johnstone's subsequent exit in the summer window makes him Palace's automatic first-choice. Henderson was a bright light when they were struggling at the start of the season, and his excellent form has been recognised amid the Eagles' upsurge in 2025.

He may well be England's number two.

1. Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford remains a divisive figure among England supporters, with the Everton goalkeeper long criticised for his proneness to gaffes. Juggling the ball off the bar in the 96th minute of the Merseyside derby to gift Divock Origi an open goal springs to mind.

However, Pickford has largely eradicated his error-strewn performances at club level and become far more consistent for the Toffees.

The former Sunderland goalkeeper was always preferred as Southgate's first-choice stopper and has seldom put a foot wrong for the Three Lions. He was a reliable performer as England reached the Euro 2024 final.

Tuchel's arrival does offer a potential mix-up but Pickford's starting spot is safe for now despite Henderson's brilliant season.

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