Everton star injury update emerges after unexpected development on international duty
Sean Dyche does not need to worry about a new Everton injury blow is not hurt despite not starting for England, Alex Howell reports.
According to the BBC Sport journalist on 13 October the reason Lee Carsley has handed Dean Henderson the gloves to face Finland is simply to look at other options.
Pickford had a calamitous game for the Three Lions in the 2-1 defeat to Greece on 10 October, but has reportedly not been dropped as a result.
Howell said: “Pickford isn’t injured and Carsley doesn’t see it as Pickford being dropped but just a chance to look at different players”.
Everton star Jordan Pickford sits for Dean Henderson
Pickford, 30, hardly covered himself in glory in midweek but he remains vital for Dyche and the Toffees all the same, so any suggestions of an injury would be a concern.
Everton suffered without key man Jarrad Branthwaite in the four-defeat start to the campaign, although were improved at the back without him in the goalless draw with Newcastle on 5 October following an injury set-back as Pickford saved a penalty from Anthony Gordon, so the importance of having their top players available is obvious.
Asmir Begovic re-signed with the club during the summer and back-up Joao Virginia is capable but Pickford remains one of the most important players in the squad.
His form domestically hasn’t been the greatest and Dyche was reportedly ready to make a move for Newcastle’s Nick Pope in January [Alan Nixon, 15 September], although that seems an overreaction.
His status as England’s number one is routinely in the spotlight despite largely having an excellent record under Gareth Southgate, and the errors against Greece came as part of a dismal team performance from Carsley’s side.
But with the Three Lions job still up for grabs since Southgate’s exit post-Euro 2024 final Pickford’s position with the national team is probably more uncertain now than it has been for years so his bad game came at the wrong time.
However, it would still be a surprise to see him lose the gloves long-term whether it be Carsley, Thomas Tuchel [Bild, 11 October], or another coach who gets the job.
In other Everton news, The Friedkin Group’s deal to clear a key takeover hurdle is likely going to have to change.
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