Kyle Walker drools over ‘top class’ Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford ahead of England v France
Kyle Walker has hailed Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as “top class” ahead of England’s quarter-final clash against France in the World Cup in Qatar.
Pickford has been outstanding for both club and country, and he is all set to make his 50th appearance for England, which is a milestone achievement for the goalkeeper.
The Manchester City full-back has suggested that Pickford has never let the team down, and he hopes that the Toffees goalkeeper will continue to shine for the country for years to come.
“I think he’s been absolutely top class for England. I spend a lot of time with him outside of the training field and we get along really well,” said Walker about Pickford, as shared by BeanymanSports on Youtube [7 December].
“I’ve got nothing but praise to say for Jordan and congratulations on getting your 50th cap on Saturday. Hopefully he can put in the performances he’s been putting in for the last number of years.
“To move Joe Hart off the pedestal was a big statement for him to say he’s on the international stage. He’s not let us down, he’s been fantastic and hopefully that can continue for many years.”
Heroics
Pickford is the first-choice goalkeeper under Gareth Southgate, and he has been fairly consistent with his form for both club and country.
Last season, his heroics helped the Toffees avoid relegation. He has started the 2022-23 season strongly, as Everton have maintained a solid defensive record in the league.
Pickford was always brilliant with his deliveries, but he was criticised before for making poor judgments and goalkeeping gaffes. In the past two years or so, he has shown a remarkable improvement, and we don’t see him making blunders anymore.
It will be interesting to see how long the Toffees can keep hold of their star player.
TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey [9 November] reported that Tottenham Hotspur have earmarked Pickford as one of their options to replace club legend Hugo Lloris.
Pickford has two years remaining on his current deal that he signed in 2018, and the Toffees should look to tie him down on a new contract immediately after the World Cup.