Everton and England keeper Jordan Pickford

talkSPORT pundit defends England decision to axe Everton ace Jordan Pickford live on air

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Published on:

13 Oct 2024, 10:45 am

Lee Carsley's decision to axe Everton ace Jordan Pickford for England's Nations League clash with Finland has been defended by talkSPORT presenter Scott Minto.

The Three Lions number one put in a jittery display as England fell to a shock 2-1 home defeat to Greece at Wembley on Thursday (10 October).

Interim boss Carsley has consequently rung the changes for Sunday's (13 October) clash in Helsinki, one of which sees Crystal Palace stopper Dean Henderson replace Pickford between the sticks.

Pickford has long been the recognised number one for his country but Minto, speaking live on talkSPORT (13 October), think it makes sense to also look at other options after what he felt was one of his "worst" games for his country.

He said: "Jordan Pickford had one of his worst games in an England shirt last time out.

"I still think you can count on fingers not just two hands the amount of bad games he's hand. He's still our number one but you can still look at someone else."

Everton will be relieved with England Jordan Pickford decision

In some ways you can view this decision as harsh because Pickford was far from the only one to underperform in that shoddy performance against Greece the other night.

But, from an Everton perspective at least, you can say it is a good thing.

Sean Dyche will probably view it as such. With the injury problems the Toffees have had to contend against this season, especially in their backline, the knowledge that Pickford will be warming the bench in the Finnish capital today is probably a welcome relief.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford

Pickford, being the fierce competitor he is, certainly will not view it that way and he will be disappointed at being one of the sacrificial lambs from the Greek tragedy that unfolded at Wembley.

However, he remains a vital performer for Everton and there will be plenty of opportunities in the coming weeks to remind everyone just how good he is. If he does that then it will be a huge boost for the Toffees.

In other Everton news, here are our player ratings for the Toffees' season on the whole this term.

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Jordan Pickford

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