By Peter Lynch

21st Nov, 2023 | 4:40pm

Everton: Journalist makes ‘absolutely nailed on’ Jordan Pickford prediction after England draw v North Macedonia

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is “absolutely nailed on” to make the England squad for Euro 2024, according to 90min journalist Toby Cudworth.

The prediction comes ahead of the nation’s participation in next summer’s tournament, with their qualifying campaign ending against North Macedonia on Monday (20 November).

Pickford played the entire 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw, with England finishing top of their qualifying group with six wins and two draws.

“There’s always a core of around eight or nine players absolutely nailed on to go to any major international tournament (as long as they’re fit) and things are no different for England,” Cudworth wrote for 90min.

“The tried and tested defensive unit of Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and John Stones, check.”

Certainty

Competition for places for many international teams is really fierce, but perhaps England top the list in this regard. In every position of Gareth Southgate’s squad, there is a long, long list of players fighting for spots, with the manager set for another headache when it comes to picking his final squad.

But Everton ace Pickford will have no worries about his position in the camp and indeed in the starting XI, with the goalkeeper still his country’s number one.

The likes of Crystal Palace ace Sam Johnstone, Arsenal man Aaron Ramsdale and Newcastle United star Nick Pope may be hot on his heels, but Pickford has proven to be a very reliable shot-stopper for the Three Lions for several years now.

That is the same situation for the goalkeeper at Goodison Park, with manager Sean Dyche relying heavily on Pickford, who has delivered time and again when his club need him the most.

In other Everton news, Neville Southall has shared one “good thing” about the club’s points deduction, with a Premier League relegation prediction made.