England and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford defended after brutal Didi Hamann comments
Dan Bardell believes Didi Hamann is wrong about Everton star Jordan Pickford after criticising him as England’s number one ahead of Euro 2024.
The former German international featured on talkSPORT (13 June, 12:27) and was critical of the Toffees’ shot-stopper for his “behaviour”.
Hamann, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, went on to say: “I think the keeper for England for me will be a big worry.”
Sky Sports journalist Bardell has piled praise on Pickford and believes that Hamann hasn’t watched him play for Everton recently.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Bardell said: “I couldn’t disagree with Hamann any more, to be honest. I suggest he probably hasn’t watched Jordan Pickford for Everton this season or watched him very much for England.
“He’s been a big part of making England great again. I used to have my concerns but now I don’t really have any at all. He’s the undisputed number one after a brilliant season for Everton where, in my opinion, he was goalkeeper of the year.
“Hamann probably got that one wrong because if England wins the Euros, Pickford is going to be a big part of that. I’ve got no worries about him at all.“
Jordan Pickford deserving Everton and England number one
As Bardell alluded to, there was once a time at the beginning of his international career when Pickford was a controversial choice.
After an excellent showing in the 2018 World Cup, none more so than his penalty shootout heroics against Colombia, he silenced any doubters.
He is now undisputed number one under Gareth Southgate and his Everton performances have only improved ever since.
The Englishman was part of one of the best defences in the division last season as Everton conceded the fourth fewest goals with Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski ahead of him.
Despite what Hamann has said, at 30 years old Pickford has gotten much more mature over recent seasons and has stopped his old antics.
This has seen him focus on his form while also keeping his personality on the pitch, which makes him such a fan favourite at Goodison Park.
He is going to be number one for England in a tournament where they begin as one of the favourites to win the whole thing.
In other Everton news, a European club are keen to get their striker off their wage bill with a £26million transfer on the cards.
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