Peter Schmeichel claims David Seaman was England's last genuine No 1 goalkeeper

Peter Schmeichel believes England have not had a proper No 1 goalkeeper since David Seaman hung up his gloves way back in 2002.

Jordan Pickford has been Gareth Southgate's first choice for the last three years but his position has come under increased scrutiny following a number of errors for Everton at the start of the season.

Burnley's Nick Pope and Manchester United's Dean Henderson are also in contention for the Three Lions but Schmeichel, who earned 129 caps for Denmark, insists that England have missed Seaman's authority in between the sticks for the last 18 years.

Joe Hart, Paul Robinson, David James and Rob Green have all held the gloves at various points since the Arsenal legend retired from international football with 75 caps to his name, but none have had the same impact according to Schmeichel.

The former Manchester United goalkeeper told The Times: 'What you're talking about here is three goalkeepers: one [Jordan Pickford] has played for England for three years and made mistakes in the Premier League — those are your words — one [Dean Henderson] is not playing at all, played last season for Sheffield United, you know; and the other [Nick Pope] plays for Burnley, who are rock-bottom of the Premier League.'

Asked which of the three he would choose, Schmeichel replied: 'When was the last time England had a No 1?

'Joe Hart is still playing. Why is he not the No 1? Hart is only 33 years old. He's probably in his prime. The question, for me, would probably be answered with David Seaman. He's probably the last No 1 you had.'

Pickford started Sunday's 2-1 Nations League win over Belgium but he appears less safe in his position following a period of poor form for his club.

Schmeichel believes Everton's No 1 goalkeeper, who could start Wednesday's clash with Denmark, has let mistakes creep into his game because there has been a lack of confidence in him.

Explaining why the former Sunderland star is prone to errors, Schmeichel added: 'He probably feels like he’s got to show the world all the time that he is the best, and by trying to show the world, that’s where all the big mistakes come from: you’re trying to come for a cross you’ve got no chance of reaching.'