Phil McNulty jumps to Everton star Jordan Pickford’s defence amid int’l form criticism
Phil McNulty has jumped to the defence of Everton keeper Jordan Pickford after his international form for England has been criticised.
Transfersdotcom journalist Robin Bairner tweeted on 11 September that the 29-year-old hasn’t saved a single shot for his country during qualifying for the 2024 European Championships despite playing every minute.
Responding to the tweet, BBC Sport journalist McNulty said the England number one shouldn’t have been expected to save either of the shots after conceding just twice in the opening five qualifying matches.
Harsh
It’s extremely harsh to criticise Pickford for conceding just two goals so far during England’s qualifying matches for the upcoming tournament.
As McNulty pointed out, he shouldn’t have been expected to save either of those shots and it doesn’t really give a true reflection on his performances for his country.
Perhaps you can look at it another way and suggest that he has helped organise the defence in front of him so well that he hasn’t come under much pressure.
It’s always been a hot topic of debate whether Pickford should continue as England’s number one, but the fact of the matter is, he has rarely let his country down over the years.
He’s very much a favourite under Southgate, so unless that situation changes any time soon, he probably hasn’t got much to worry about in terms of losing his place in the starting lineup.
In other Everton news, a pundit has labelled one player a “coward” following his recent actions.