Mitch Freeley

Former England keeper Paul Robinson is confident that Jordan Pickford will be relishing his World Cup debut against Tunisia on Monday evening. Pickford is widely expected to start England's group G opener against the North African side on Monday evening. The former Leeds, Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham keeper is currently a pundit with beIN SPORTS during the World Cup. 

Having been the first choice for England during the 2006 tournament, Robinson is well placed to understand how the 24-year old keeper will be feeling heading into the tie in Volgograd. 

“I think it will be nervous excitement, to be honest. You try and treat it as much like any game if you can but for me, I was nervous tinged with excitement. You are playing in a World Cup,you're representing your country it’s a huge achievement it’s something you have always dreamed of. It’s an old cliché but it is.”  

Robinson was part of the England side in 2006 which bowed out on penalties to Portugal, however the 38-year old reflected on his own feelings in Germany ahead of Englands opener against Paraguay. 

“I don’t think I slept the night before because I was that excited and just wanted to get the game underway, but at the same time, I was nervous for the game as you knew there was pressure and expectation."

This will be Pickford’s first major tournament with England having represented the Three Lions at U17 & U21 level.  Gareth Southgate has made a point of selected form players for the national team, and Robinson believes that the young keeper has done more than enough to deserve his starting place against Tunisia. 

“He’s a young lad. He’s obviously very, very well balanced, level-headed lad. He’s taken the move to Everton in his stride. He has had a great season there winning the player of the year and the players player of the year there. 

“He’s had a fantastic season there coming in with a big price tag. I think this is a natural progression and he will take it in his stride.”
Can Jordan Pickford shine for the Three Lions against Tunisia? You can watch Tunisia Vs England Live & Exclusive via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.