Euros: What are England’s goalkeeping options?

The build up to Euro 2024 is gathering pace and one of the areas Gareth Southgate will be giving some real thought to, is which goalkeepers to select in his final 23-man squad.

Jordan Pickford has long been Southgate’s first-choice option between the posts, but could someone else push their cause and persuade the head coach to change his plans?

In this article, we look at the goalkeeping options available to the England boss and which three shot-stoppers might get the nod.

Pickford still number one

Since making his senior international debut in 2017, Pickford has become England’s number one and has racked up 60 appearances for his country.

Even when the Everton man has suffered a dip in his club form, Southgate has stuck by him and maintained that he is his first choice.

Pickford’s big game experience is another factor in his favour, with the 30-year-old having now played in three major tournaments – two World Cups and one Euros.

The former Sunderland shot-stopper has over 250 Premier League appearances to his name and, barring any injury issues, seems almost certain to start England’s opening group match against Serbia on 16th June.

The only factor, other than fitness, that could impact on Pickford’s position is whether Everton are relegated and if Southgate feels that would impact his confidence.

Pope faces race against time

If everyone was fit in recent weeks, then Nick Pope would almost certainly be named in England's Euro 2024 squad.

Newcastle’s Pope has been sidelined since early December with a shoulder problem, picked up in the clash with Manchester United at St James’ Park.

Pope has established himself as one of the country's finest shot-stoppers and better distribution with his feet would arguably have him pushing Pickford for the number one spot.

His end of season return will need to prove to Southgate that he is up to full speed if he is to be included in the squad, but if he is fit then he should be one of the 23 players.

Ramsdale lacking game time

Having enjoyed a stellar season with Arsenal in the 2022-23 campaign, Aaron Ramsdale was included in the squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

At that stage, many were predicting that he would be the man to push Pickford for the role of first-choice when it came to the Euros in 2024.

But Mikel Arteta’s decision to bring in another goalkeeper looks to have hampered his international hopes, with the 25-year-old struggling for game time.

David Raya is Arsenal’s first choice 'keeper and Ramsdale has had to play a bit-part role, with most of his opportunities coming in cup competitions.

Butland ready to pounce

The man who could benefit from Pope and Ramsdale's lack of first-team football could be Rangers' Jack Butland.

Pope and Ramsdale are in the driving seat but if Southgate wants a goalkeeper who is in form to challenge Pickford, then Butland fits the bill more than most.

Crystal Palace's Sam Johnstone is out for the season and his teammate Dean Henderson has struggled for consistency, leaving Butland as the next man in line.

Another potential selection is Burnley's James Trafford, who has impressed at Under-21 level, however his form at Turf Moor has dipped as the season has gone on.