The Everton stopper, capped 79 times since 2017, was trusted by Gareth Southgate and has kept his place under Thomas Tuchel.
Despite competition from the likes of Dean Henderson and James Trafford, former England goalkeeper Hart is confident in Pickford’s ability to retain his spot.
“He’s put himself in a great position,” Hart told TNT Sports.
“But he’s been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for England. He’s taken them to places I personally couldn’t take them. Took them to the latter end of all the tournaments that he’s played in. He’s performed consistently well for Everton.”
“I think Dean Henderson’s having an excellent couple of seasons. He’s found his home at Crystal Palace, winning the FA Cup, performing well, playing in Europe,” Hart added.
“James Trafford, it was a great opportunity for him going back to Manchester City but the signing of (Gianluigi) Donnarumma is going to make it difficult for him to get regular minutes.
“But you look at Nick Pope, there’s Aaron Ramsdale, there’s a really good pool of English goalkeepers. But Jordan Pickford well and truly deserves to have the gloves for now.”
Tuchel claimed in June that there will be a “fight for every position” and “no exceptions” for goalkeepers.
The England boss said: “He (Pickford) is doing everything to keep his place because he feels that Dean (Henderson) stepped up and found another gear. Dean got a vital title for Palace and he was a big figure.”
Hart, likewise, acknowledged that there are no guarantees for England’s current No. 1.
“A lot can change in a season,” Hart said. “Football is so fluid, but if he keeps his form and earns the trust of Thomas Tuchel like I know he is, I don’t think he’s let a goal in for him yet.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he was (England’s No. 1) but also I know how football works.”
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Video credit: SNTV
Pickford has earned high praise from another ex-England team-mate, Wayne Rooney, who labelled the 31-year-old “underappreciated”.
“He is a great character and great to have in the dressing room. I know Jordan well and he is great fun to be around. He is certainly someone you want in the dressing room and is not afraid to speak his mind as well, which is always good.”
Pickford makes history in Wales win
He has not conceded a goal for his country since a 2-1 defeat to Greece in the UEFA Nations League on October 10, 2024.
Pickford held the previous record of seven straight clean sheets along with Gordon Banks. The shutout against Wales was his 41st, with only Hart (43) and Peter Shilton (66) ahead of him.
Despite a dominant first half from England against Wales, Pickford was made to work for his latest clean sheet after the break, saving excellently to deny David Brooks and Chris Mepham.
