It's a shame England duo aren't still at Sunderland but they keep making Wearside proud

The World Cup completely dominated the footballing world during the summer, and there was no shortage of players with Sunderland connections representing a number of countries.
Jordan Pickford celebrates England's win over SwedenJordan Pickford celebrates England's win over Sweden
Jordan Pickford celebrates England's win over Sweden

It was the two local lads, Jordans Henderson and Pickford, starting every game that mattered, who made Wearside proud.

With the club currently reeling from two consecutive relegations and as low as at any time in its history, it was a great boost to see two of our own performing at the highest level possible.

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Of course it would have been far better if they were still in Sunderland colours but although they’ve both moved on, playing on either side of the Mersey divide, I’m sure that they would be the first to admit they wouldn’t be where they are now without Sunderland. I’m also sure that deep down, they’re still Sunderland fans.

The two of them are still of an age where they could be around for the next World Cup and certainly in Pickford’s case, at his age, he could be around the England camp for another 10 years. If that is to be the case, then he could amass a huge amount of caps, although that obviously depends on his form being consistently high, avoiding injuries and beating off challengers for his position, like Jack Butland and Nick Pope, who I’m sure won’t want to settle for second best.

Henderson has had an incredible last few months, reaching the final of the Champions League with Liverpool, and the last four in the World Cup, and even though in both cases his team ended just short, it’s an incredible achievement getting so close to football’s two biggest trophies.

Both Henderson and Pickford are great role models for every kid in the north east to look up to, and try to emulate, even if regrettably they no longer play at the club where they learned their trade.