Unravelling the Debate: Is Nick Pope’s Distribution Really Behind Southgate’s Pickford Preference?
For years, England fans and pundits have hotly debated Gareth Southgate’s ongoing preference for Jordan Pickford as England’s first-choice goalkeeper, especially leading up to tournaments like the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020. At the heart of the discussion is a recurring claim: Nick Pope’s distribution is inferior, justifying Pickford’s consistent selection. Yet, a closer examination of statistics and club roles challenges this widespread belief.
The Realities Behind Pope’s Role at Burnley
Nick Pope’s performances for Burnley have routinely kept his club competitive in the Premier League, often under immense pressure. Unlike teams that maintain heavy possession, Burnley operates with a more direct approach, asking their goalkeeper to play long. Data shows Pope launches an impressive 74.8% of his passes—meaning nearly three-quarters of all his distributed balls travel more than 40 yards. When it comes to goal kicks, 92.5% of his passes are played long towards Burnley’s forwards, with the team rarely attempting to build play from the back.
This unique tactical requirement has a visible impact on Pope’s passing patterns:
- Fewer than 1 short pass attempted or completed per 90 minutes
- Leading the Premier League with 25.6 long passes (30+ yards) per 90
These statistics reflect system demands rather than individual limitations.
Pickford at Everton: A Similar Story
While Jordan Pickford flourishes on the international stage, his club role at Everton shares similarities with Pope’s at Burnley. Everton are not renowned for playing out from the back, giving Pickford little opportunity to hone or display “possession-based” distribution at club level. In fact, his numbers don’t dramatically outshine Pope’s in the relevant metrics—and in some areas, he trails.
Comparing Long-Pass Distribution: Pope vs. Pickford
The claim that Pickford’s distribution is vastly superior falters under close examination. Nick Pope actually attempts more long passes than any Premier League player (25.6 per 90), with Jordan Pickford third on the list, just behind Trent Alexander-Arnold. Both keepers thus play in systems that emphasize long balls rather than short, progressive buildup.
Here are the key comparative figures:
| Metric | Nick Pope | Jordan Pickford |
|---|---|---|
| Long Passes Attempted (per 90, 30+ yards) | 25.6 | Approx. 3rd in EPL |
| % of Long Passes (All Passes 40+ yards) | 74.8% | 65.8% |
| Pass Completion 30+ yards | 41.6% | 34.8% |
| Pass Completion 40+ yards | 37.9% | 33.9% |
| Avg. Distance Reached by Long Passes | 53.3% | 51.5% |
| Short Passes (per 90) | <1 | <2 |
The data demonstrates Pope does not fall short when it comes to range and accuracy on long passes; in fact, he regularly outperforms Pickford. The difference in short passing between the two is minimal, dispelling the notion there’s a significant technical gap.
Beyond Distribution: Sweeping, Shot-Stopping, and Physical Attributes
While distribution is a focal point of the debate, both keepers excel in other areas as well. Nick Pope is regularly praised for his commanding presence, aerial ability, and reliable shot-stopping. His height and reach contribute to strong coverage of the goal frame, while his cross-claiming ability is among the best in the league.
Pickford, meanwhile, is lauded for his leadership, quick decision-making, and composure in high-pressure international settings. However, when comparing sweeping and defensive contributions, Pope’s statistics are often as strong, if not stronger.
Expanding England’s Goalkeeper Options
England’s depth at the goalkeeper position currently boasts more than just Pope and Pickford. Alternatives like Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson offer different profiles:
- Aaron Ramsdale: One of the best in Europe for save and clean sheet percentage
- Dean Henderson: Impressive saves-per-goal and goals-against averages with Manchester United
Both are more accustomed to playing out from the back and post near-flawless short and medium pass completion rates. Gareth Southgate, therefore, enjoys an array of elite options, all with distinct strengths.
Conclusion: Debunking the Myth of Pope’s ‘Poor’ Distribution
The narrative that Nick Pope’s distribution limits his England chances does not withstand closer scrutiny. His performance under a direct play system has produced distribution numbers that match or surpass Pickford’s in key areas. With both keepers specialists in long-passing and capable of changing the game from their own area, the debate over England’s number one comes down to tactical and stylistic choices—not a simple deficiency in passing ability. As England continues to nurture world-class goalkeepers, it’s clear the argument over Pope’s distribution is more myth than reality.
