Labour politician hails under-appreciated Everton star Jordan Pickford after England win
Andy Burnham congratulated Everton star Jordan Pickford after his clean sheet for England in the last-16 of the World Cup.
The Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester and Toffees fan suggested the keeper is under-appreciated after he produced multiple vital saves against Senegal on Sunday night, allowing the Three Lions attacking players to eventually take control in the 3-0 win.
A key early stop to keep out Everton transfer target Boulaye Dia was highlighted by the club’s official Twitter account, as the 28-year-old recorded his third clean sheet from four games in Qatar.
Posting on his personal Twitter account on Sunday night (4 December) Burnham said: “Deserves much more credit than he gets. Great work Jordan”.
Key
Pickford was ultimately overshadowed by star of the show Jude Bellingham, and goal-scorers Harry Kane and Jordan Henderson, but played a vital role in the result.
Gareth Southgate has continued to stick with his preferred number one throughout his reign, despite repeated questions from fans and pundits, and the performance on Sunday will do nothing to change his mind.
Frank Lampard will hope the continuing presence at the World Cup, coupled with strong performances along the way, will provide a confidence boost for his keeper when he returns to Premier League action.
He made a high-profile error in the 3-0 defeat at Bournemouth on 12 November, as the Toffees’ season threatened to descend into a real mess heading into the international break.
So it will be key for him to avoid any repeats for the Boxing Day meeting with Wolves, that has a good deal of pressure on it with the team heading in the wrong direction down the table.
Through the relegation battle last season Pickford was vital as he produced at least two match-winning performances along the way, and without major help to the attack in the January transfer window he could be required to do the same again in this campaign.