Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Wed 1 April 2026 20:10, UK

Everton fans have every right to keep believing in their European dream after Jordan Pickford’s latest comments.

The Toffees are looking to play continental football for the first time since 2017, with David Moyes’ side sitting eighth in the Premier League.

A brace from Beto and a stunner from Iliman Ndiaye secured a sensational 3-0 win against Chelsea on the eve of the international break, setting up a big showdown with Brentford set to take place on 11 April.

Pickford joined the Blues from Sunderland in 2017, with the corresponding campaign being his only taste of European action.

Speaking after England’s loss against Japan on Tuesday, the shotstopper emphasised the goal for the Blues as they return to action next week.

Jordan Pickford drops comment on Everton European dream

Since Moyes’ return to Merseyside last season, Everton have been able to escape the relegation worries of recent years.

After a turbulent period, supporters would have snapped his hand off for a simple mid-table finish – instead, the Toffees are now in serious contention for a top-eight finish.

The recent win against Chelsea was a massive statement of intent, with Moyes’ side growing and growing as the season has progressed, leaving the European dream alive.

Speaking in the mixed zone after England’s loss to Japan at Wembley, goalkeeper Pickford gave his thoughts on the season’s crunch point.

“Seven games, I think the manager will be striving, game by game. Now, we’re not going to be looking at Tottenham away on the last day of the season; we are going to be looking at Brentford away next week,” he said.

“We’ll take it game by game,” he added, before crucially saying: “Hopefully we will get the Toffees into Europe.”

Since making the switch, Pickford has become talismanic between the sticks for Everton, keeping 100 clean sheets in 351 appearances.

He has not featured in Europe since being knocked out at the group stage of the Europa League in 2017 under Sam Allardyce.

Everton fans can continue dreaming after Jordan Pickford Europe comment

Now locked in a battle for a spot, it is refreshing to hear a player speak with honesty regarding the goal – something synonymous with Pickford throughout his Everton stint.

Securing continental football would have been a pipe dream at the start of the season, but the simple fact of the matter now is that the Toffees find themselves in a situation that they must capitalise on.

As of now, Moyes’ side are on for a UEFA Conference League spot, but their form allows fans to dream higher, with even a place in the Champions League not a million miles away.

Alongside the financial bonuses, European football could see the level of recruitment go up another gear over the summer, further strengthening the ranks as Everton look to continue challenging towards the top end of the Premier League.

For the first time since Carlo Ancelotti’s departure at the turn of the decade, Toffees fans can dream, and it is fantastic to see this recognised by the squad.