Everton: BBC Sport journalist shares Gareth Southgate stance on ‘outstanding’ Jordan Pickford
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is not solid but has been “outstanding” for club and country for some time.
That is according to BBC Sport journalist Phil McNulty, who believes England manager Gareth Southgate will be desperate to keep the player fit.
Pickford was named in the latest Three Lions squad and played the entire 90 minutes in the 1-0 loss to Brazil on Saturday (23 March).
Replying to a question on a BBC Sport Q&A, McNulty said: “I’ll disagree with your description of Jordan Pickford as ‘solid.’ I think he has been outstanding for both Everton and England for a long time but you’re right to point out there is a problem behind him.
“I would say Aaron Ramsdale would be second choice, the problem being he now fills the same role at Arsenal with David Raya ahead of him.
“As with Harry Kane, Gareth Southgate will have everything crossed nothing happens to Jordan Pickford.”
Gareth Southgate can rely on Everton ace Jordan Pickford
England manager Southgate certainly has a long list of talented players available to him, and he faces many difficult decisions ahead of Euro 2024 this summer.
He will undoubtedly already have certain players picked, but others still have opportunities to impress him between now and the major tournament getting underway.
Pickford is definitely in the former category, with the Toffees ace definitely still number one for both Everton and England.
He has been a very reliable player for Sean Dyche and Southgate between the sticks over the years, with his number one status not going to change anytime soon.
Pickford may, however, get a rest when Belgium travel to Wembley for a friendly clash on Tuesday (26 March), with either Aaron Ramsdale or James Trafford in for a starting role.
The latter has been called up to the senior side after an injury to Sam Johnstone, while there could also be some action for Pickford’s Goodison Park teammate Jarrad Branthwaite.
In other Everton news, national media recently scored one “invaluable” Toffees ace 8/10 on international duty.
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