Lee Dixon defends himself after Everton fans fume at Jordan Pickford comments
Lee Dixon has distanced himself from suggestions that he has been overly critical of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Pickford has been in imperious form for England at the ongoing European Championships, and his clean sheet in Saturday night’s 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine was his fifth in as many games, a feat that has helped The Three Lions into the semi-finals of the competition.
However, despite not conceding a goal in the tournament, the 27-year-old has still been subjected to intense scrutiny by former England and Arsenal full-back Dixon.
Dixon tweeted on Saturday night hailing England for keeping seven clean sheets in a row for the first time in their history.
This did not go unnoticed by Everton supporters who flooded his comments to remind him of his previous remarks on Pickford this summer.
Dixon appeared to respond to this on his personal Twitter profile on Sunday morning, writing: “All Everton fans seem to have selective hearing.”
Admit it
Anyone who has had the misfortune of listening to Dixon’s commentaries in recent weeks will understand why Blues fans have taken to Twitter to voice their displeasure.
We know Pickford isn’t Gianluigi Buffon or Manuel Neuer in their prime, but he’s still a very good and capable goalkeeper who deserves a lot more respect.
He was actually one of our better performers in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign and he has taken that form, as he always seems to do, to the England camp.
Seven clean sheets in a row is some achievement, especially given five of those have come in a major tournament.
Yet, despite not conceding a goal at Euro 2020, the likes of Dixon still remain unconvinced.
Granted, he had one lucky escape against Ukraine on Saturday night, but aside from that he has produced a near-perfect tournament, and he looks a shoo-in to be named as the top goalkeeper.
Dixon would have got a lot more respect if he stuck his hands up for getting it wrong on Pickford, yet he’s chosen to try and antagonise the Blues fanbase further.
A slice of humble pie is in order, Dixon.
In other Everton news, Greg O’Keeffe hints Blues attacker may seek summer exit.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.