Everton: Jordan Pickford slammed for ‘Shocker’ in England v Belgium
Everton ace Jordan Pickford has been slammed by the Daily Mail for his “shocker” during England’s clash with Belgium.
Gareth Southgate’s side played out a 2-2 draw in their friendly with Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday (26 March).
Jude Bellingham equalised with almost the final kick of the game after Youri Tielemans’ had twice put the visitors ahead with his first-half brace either side of Ivan Toney’s penalty.
Pickford started for the Three Lions and the Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope was less than impressed with his performance, scoring him a 5/10 match rating and writing in their print edition (page 71, 27 March): “Shocker for opening goal.
“Recovered with a couple of decent saves but big moments like his error can cost dearly.”
Everton star Jordan Pickford has a night to forget for England against Belgium
Pickford certainly wasn’t at his best for England on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old has been Southgate’s consistent number one for the past few major tournaments, and his performance is unlikely to have done his 2024 UEFA European Championship ambitions any major harm.
Southgate has stuck by Pickford during his time in charge of England and it is unlikely that he will start with anyone but the Everton shot-stopper in Germany this summer.
However, while Pickford’s chances of starting at the tournament are unlikely to have been done much harm, his confidence would have been dealt a major blow.
His clearance in the 11th minute was a poor one and landed only as far as Tielemans who could strike the ball into an empty net from distance with Pickford completely out of position.
It was an avoidable mistake, and Sean Dyche will be hoping that Pickford puts that error past him when he returns to Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, the Esk has shared the percentage likelihood of 777Partners’ takeover of the club going through.
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