Jordan Pickford torn to shreds by UK newspapers after Everton star ‘horror’ in England loss
National media have slammed Jordan Pickford after what the Everton ace did for England in the 2-1 loss to Greece on Thursday 10 October.
The 30-year-old lined up as expected for his country at Wembley but struggled as a Vangelis Pavlidis brace either side of a late strike from Jude Bellingham secured a shock UEFA Nations League victory for the visitors.
Lee Carsley opted to name a lineup without a recognised striker and his decision backfired as Greece recorded a historic first win over The Three Lions.
The Daily Mail [11 October, pg 83] was the harshest critic of Pickford’s performance and awarded him a 3.5/10 rating, writing: “Far too casual with first-half dribble and needed [Levi] Colwill to bail him out. Seemed uncomfortable all night.”
Pickford was given a more modest 4/10 rating from The Guardian [11 October], but also gave a scathing review of his display, writing: “Spread panic with a horror moment in possession early on and continued to struggle. Had no chance with Greece’s goals.”
The Mirror [11 October, pg 66] was the most lenient on the Blues goalkeeper, awarding him a 5/10 rating, writing: “Blushes were spared by Colwill and linesman after horror double blunder.”
Jordan Pickford must improve for England
The suggestion that Pickford needed to “calm down” for England was an understatement, it became apparent on Thursday night the Everton goalkeeper couldn’t regain his composure following his antics early in the first half.
He lost possession outside his penalty area forcing Colwill to produce a goalline clearance and minutes later the ball was in the back of the net after Pickford failed to deal with a corner, however, VAR intervened and overturned the goal.
England were shocking all over the pitch at Wembley, not just Pickford, but shouts pre-match that the Blues man could be a future captain for The Three Lions [talkSPORT] are premature and the shot-stopper must work on remaining more composed on the pitch for club and country.
![The Mirror [11 October, pg 66] Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford ratings](https://www.goodisonnews.com/static/uploads/6/2024/10/The-Mirror-page-66-11-October.png)
![The Daily Mail [11 October, pg 83] Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford ratings](https://www.goodisonnews.com/static/uploads/6/2024/10/Daily-Mail-page-83-11-October.png)
Pickford is well-known for his antics on the pitch however, his performances between the sticks usually outweigh his behaviour and against Greece, he made the headlines for all the wrong reasons in what was supposed to be a routine affair for the national side.
The Everton shot-stopper must bounce back when Carlsey takes his side to face Finland on Sunday [13 October], another matchup which on paper, England should walk. Still, Pickford should focus on shying away from the limelight on this occasion and put in a performance, much more fitting of a player of his quality.
In other Everton news, Toffees transfer news is shared in an update on Silas Katompa Mvumpa.
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