Gareth Southgate is reportedly concerned that, should Everton be relegated, his number one goalkeeper will spend the months leading up to the World Cup playing in the Championship, which could open the door even further for Aaron Ramsdale.

Everton's English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford cools off during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on May 1, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Everton’s English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford cools off during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on May 1, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Jordan Pickford is currently Gareth Southgate’s preferred number one keeper with Aaron Ramsdale breathing down his neck.

Now, it has been revealed that Pickford doesn’t have a relegation clause in his contract meaning he is set to play in the Championship, should the Toffees fail to survive relegation.

This would obviously be a boost for Ramsdale, as Southgate will want his number one keeper playing at the highest level possible.

RELEGATION FEARS FOR GARETH Daily Mail7 May 2022 GaRETh southgate’s neutrality in Premier league matters will be sorely tested as the relegation battle reaches its climax over the next three weeks due to the potential impact on his World Cup plans if Everton are relegated. Jordan Pickford does not have a relegation clause in his contract at Goodison Park and with all of the top clubs happy with their goalkeepers, southgate is concerned that England’s first-choice goalkeeper may have to spend the build-up to this year’s World Cup playing in the Championship, particularly given the fact that few other clubs in the top flight would be willing to match his £110,000-a-week Everton wages. southgate has continued to pick sam Johnstone since West Brom were relegated last season but may have doubts about going to the World Cup with two out of his three keepers playing in the second tier.
Daily Mail, 7 May 2022

At the time of writing, Everton are in the relegation places in 18th on 32 points.

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Leeds United, Arsenal’s opponents this weekend, sit just two points ahead of Everton, having played a game more.

In fact, all the teams around Everton have played a game more, with Brentford in 14th having played 35 to Everton’s 33.

Everton are away to Leicester this weekend before going to Watford, hosting Brentford and Palace at home before they finish their season at the Emirates on 22 May.

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