Daniel Feliciano

Tue 27 September 2022 13:10, UK

Seven of eight journalists from The Mirror would include Everton duo Jordan Pickford and Conor Coady in their England squad for the World Cup.

Pickford missed the most recent set of internationals with a thigh injury, while Coady was called up but didn’t feature for a single minute despite defeat to Italy and a wild 3-3 draw with Germany seeing the defence called into question.

But when asked after the clash with Germany on Monday night, The Mirror journalists including John Cross almost unanimously selected the duo as part of the 26-man squad they would select for the World Cup.

Cross was joined by Andy Dunn, Matt Dunn, Alex Richards, Samuel Meade, Freddie Keighley and Daniel Orme in selecting both players, but Tom Blow opted to leave Coady at home with Ben White selected ahead of him.

He did however also claim that Pickford was “guaranteed to be the number 1” if he could stay fit following his recent injury troubles.

Praise

Pickford is a shoo-in for the squad, especially after the performances of Nick Pope in the recent break strengthened his grip on the number one shirt.

But Coady’s position isn’t as secure so it’s very interesting to see that so many journalists close to England would select him, and it’s a credit to his form with Everton that they put him so high up the pecking order.

His experience of playing in a back three system is certainly a huge help to his chances, but he’s been outstanding in the back four alongside James Tarkowski too and Gareth Southgate would be smart to take him along.

It’s a sham that the likes of Tarkowski and Anthony Gordon don’t get a mention from anyone as their form has warranted at least being in the discussion, but particularly for Gordon there is plenty of time for that to come.

If the form of the team continues, with only Brighton having a better defensive record currently, then there is no doubt that Coady and Pickford will be representing the club in Qatar for England.