Everton ace Jordan Pickford should not play England friendlies – Paul Merson
Jordan Pickford is the sole Everton representative in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for their friendlies against Ivory Coast and Switzerland.
The Toffees’ goalkeeper has been the number one for the Three Lions since the 2018 World Cup and has helped the country to a semi-final and final of major competitions since then.
These are the last games of the season internationally for England and the 28-year-old is expected to start once again between the sticks.
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson however wants to see Southgate ignore the experienced number one in favour of giving other goalkeepers a chance in these two friendlies.
“I don’t see any point in Pickford playing in any of these matches at all,” Merson said to Sky Sports. “You don’t want a situation like what happened with Scott Carson repeating itself.
“Carson was a good goalkeeper, but he went into that massive Euro 2008 qualifier with no real experience. That cost England a place at a tournament, and it wasn’t fair on the player.
“You need back-up goalkeepers who have caps, and these friendlies present Southgate with the opportunity to do just that.”
Valid point
Begrudgingly, you have to admit that Merson makes a very valid point here no matter how blue your tinted spectacles are.
Pickford is still England’s number one and comfortably so having never let his country down in the big moments.
But should anything happen to the Toffees’ man, Southgate needs to have someone already well-versed on the international scene.
Alongside Pickford in the squad are Nick Pope of Burnley and Sam Johnstone of West Brom who have a combined cap total of just 10.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale would have been in the squad had it not been for a hip injury but even he isn’t challenging Pickford for that starting spot quite yet.
Merson’s comments might cause brief panic but our man is still top of the pile and two friendlies in March aren’t going to change that.
In other Everton news, an ex-FIFA official was left stunned by this major development at Goodison Park this week.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.