Everton: Phil McNulty sarcastically hits back at Arsenal fan after what happened to Jordan Pickford
Phil McNulty has hit back at an Arsenal fan on social media in defence of Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Pickford was at fault for the opening goal of England’s 2-2 friendly draw against Belgium, misplacing a pass into the middle that led to an easy finish for Youri Tielemans as the goalkeeper scrambled back into position.
However, McNulty believes the 30-year-old still deserving of a starting berth for the Three Lions’ opening match at Euro 2024, naming the shot-stopper in his suggested starting line-up for that game in a BBC social media post.
When his choice was critiqued, McNulty retorted with a post of his own that read: “You mean the keeper who has made one mistake leading to a goal in 60 England games? Yes. Kick him out.”
Jordan Pickford looks set to keep his spot
Pickford’s error against Belgium may have earned the derision of some fans, but the goalkeeper is clearly trusted by the person on whom his England fate rests – Gareth Southgate.
The Toffees stopper earned his 60th cap in that game at Wembley – the next-most used goalkeeper under Southgate is Joe Hart, with 11 appearances.
Pickford is an equally trusted figure at Everton, where he has been an undisputed starter since joining from Sunderland in 2017, racking up 269 appearances across all competitions.
On the eve of what could be Southgate’s final tournament as England manager – and a European Championships at which the Three Lions are among the favourites – it is difficult to see the 53-year-old dropping the fourth-most used player of his tenure for an alternative, particularly when those alternative have been trusted to feature just 10 times or less since his appointment in 2016.
Some fans may continue to question his inclusion – but his managers’ faith in him – for club or country – has rarely wavered.
In other Everton news, Ian Wright feels Jarrad Branthwaite deserved to feature for England over the international break.
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