Chris Sutton shares Jordan Pickford concern as five-star news emerges for Everton ace
Chris Sutton admitted one concern about Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford after his England World Cup call-up on Thursday afternoon.
Unsurprisingly, Gareth Southgate’s England squad included Pickford as his No.1 goalkeeper. The 28-year-old was the man between the sticks in the 2018 World Cup as well as last year’s 2020 European Championships.
After a remarkable season keeping Everton in the Premier League, Pickford has again been gifted the responsibility, and Chris Sutton gave him a five-star review heading into the Qatar tournament.
Via the Daily Mail (11 November, Pg 88), Sutton said: “Go-to goalkeeper. He has not let England down.
“Maybe you worry about him emotionally, but Pickford is a good shot-stopper and has always been good with his feet as he has shown for Everton.”
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Southgate knows what he’s getting from Pickford in an England shirt. The Toffees goalkeeper did all he could in last summer’s penalty shootout and deserved to go down as a national hero.
It wasn’t meant to be at Wembley, but Pickford rightfully deserves to retain his spot as England’s No.1. He picked up Everton’s Player of the Year award after some unbelievable performances en route to keeping Frank Lampard’s side afloat in the Premier League.
Sutton’s emotional worry with Pickford is as much a strength as it is a weakness. The Sunderland-born goalkeeper wears his heart on his sleeve and will give everything for his country. That occasionally means withstanding a passionate outburst or a moment of madness, but Pickford will almost always make up for it – as Everton fans have learned.
Evertonians will hope to see Pickford head to Qatar and pick up momentum and confidence so that he’s in peak form when returns to Goodison Park in December.
Who knows, Everton may even resume the season with a World Cup winner in their ranks.