By Saikat Mandal

22nd Nov, 2022 | 7:30am

Chris Sutton: Everton star Jordan Pickford only 6/10 as England beat Iran at World Cup

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford managed only a 6/10 rating from Chris Sutton as England started their World Cup campaign on fire with a 6-2 win over Iran on Monday (21 November) in Qatar.

Goals from Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, and Jack Grealish earned a spectacular win for the Three Lions, but Pickford failed to keep a clean sheet.

The Toffees shot-stopper produced a “brilliant” save to deny Sardar Azmoun late on, but Sutton suggests that Pickford will be disappointed.

Sutton writing his column for the Daily Mail (gave Pickford 6/10) wrote (22 November, page 75): “Iran scored from two of their three shots on target, but Pickford’s finger-tip save to deny Sardar Azmoun late on was brilliant. England’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper left disappointed to not have a clean sheet. It happens.”

Future

Despite conceding two goals, Pickford was superb at times as mentioned by Sutton himself in the article. 

He will be disappointed for conceding two goals, but it can happen. Pickford is the first-choice keeper for Gareth Southgate, and his position is not under any threat. 

Everton fans will hope that Pickford regains his best form during the later stages of the competition when England will face tough opponents. 

The real concern for the Toffees fans right now is the future of Pickford with Chelsea reportedly eyeing a move for the club talisman. 

According to Fabrizio Romano, Pickford has been earmarked as an option by Chelsea boss Graham Potter as he looks to bring in new goalkeepers at the club. 

Pickford has a contract at the club until 2024, but the Toffees should look to tie him down on a long-term deal. 

Chelsea have money to sign any player they want, and they can tempt Pickford with a lucrative offer. But, a move away from Goodison Park in January is highly unlikely.