Everton news: English media impressed by Jordan Pickford in England win v Ukraine
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford impressed the English media despite having an easy day’s work in England’s 2-0 win against Ukraine on Sunday afternoon (26 March).
Gareth Southgate’s side built on their first away win against Italy since 1961 with a comfortable win and clean sheet in their second Euro 2024 qualifier.
Harry Kane made it 55 England goals when he tapped in Bukayo Saka’s first-half cross before the Arsenal winger unleashed a curling effort that doubled the Three Lions’ lead just before half-time.
Although Pickford, 29, didn’t face a shot on target all afternoon, he was still praised for his work in possession of the ball when trying to break down a resilient Ukraine side.
According to Sky Sports, Pickford served up some “eye-catching passes” at Wembley, and he received a 7/10 rating in their player ratings.
They wrote: “Easy work for England’s number one – he didn’t have a save to make.
“Neat and tidy with the ball at his feet and played a couple of eye-catching long passes. Tougher games – and more work – await.”
The Telegraph gave the former Sunderland keeper a 6/10 score but praised his sweeper-keeper instincts, which were challenged by Chelsea’s marquee January signing Mykhailo Mudryk.
“Came into this match in good form and with his Everton contract situation sorted after putting pen to paper on a new deal,” they wrote. “Kicked well, anticipated through balls from midfield and cleared danger rushing out.”
Strong
Although Pickford didn’t face a single shot on target all game long, these may well be the games where Southgate sees the most difference between the Everton man and competitors Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale.
With England seeing the large majority of the ball, it was down to Pickford to stay creative on the ball and push the Ukraine defence back with his passing range.
On several occasions, the 29-year-old pinged balls out wide to the marauding Ben Chilwell and Kyle Walker whilst looking comfortable receiving the ball from Harry Maguire and John Stones on either side of him.
If anything, this ability to play accurate long-range passes consistently is Pope’s major downfall, despite being a brilliant shot-stopper, and Pickford once again confirmed any doubts that the English coaching staff would have had.
The Toffees man remains Southgate’s number-one pick in between the sticks, and it would take either an Everton relegation or a massive drop-off in form to change this fact.