Brad Friedel thinks he knows why Everton's Jordan Pickford doesn't look like himself at World Cup

Jordan Pickford has proved his qualities over the last few years, but Brad Friedel believes he is not showing that with England at the World Cup.

England made their way into the round of 16 in North America, but they were almost eliminated by DR Congo.

Harry Kane saved Pickford's blushes with two goals following the Everton shot-stopper's blunder early on in Wednesday evening's game.

Friedel, who has competed at the World Cup for the United States of America, has not been overly impressed with the 32-year-old.

Pickford has rarely let Everton and England down over the last few years, making his recent showcases all the more perplexing.

However, Friedel believes he knows what has changed with the Everton ace.

Brad Friedel noticed one surprising difference in Jordan Pickford's recent performances

Pickford will not be pleased with his own performances by any stretch of the imagination.

The English media's verdict on Pickford versus DR Congo also highlight how poor his overall tournament has been.

However, with a tough test against Mexico at the famous Azteca Stadium inbound, Pickford will need to dust himself off and bounce back, and Friedel believes he needs be more decisive in his actions.

Speaking on the Rest is Football, Friedel said: "Jordan Pickford, when he arrived on the scene, wasn't my favourite, but over the last four or five years he has really won me over. I think he has been brilliant.

"Unfortunately, [against Congo] it was a goalkeeping mistake and he'll know that as well."

Friedel later went on to state: "But he had a couple of other nervy moments, including in the Ghana game when he got fortunate. He was a little hesitant.

"So this really isn't the Jordan Pickford I have seen play for Everton the last two or three years and with England, because Everton have been under a lot of pressure and Jordan Pickford has been the one consistently making the big saves at the big times.

"In three of the four games, there has been a [nervy] moment in each of them."

Overall, Pickford may not be in the most confident form of his life, with Friedel pinpointing his hesitancy in goal.

But, as Everton fans know all too well, this is not the first time questions over Pickford's form have emerged.

Pickford has been here before – and what happens next will say everything

Pickford has been under huge pressure before, and Everton fans will have no doubt any criticism will simply wash off his back.

The 32-year-old has been one of England's most important players over the last few years, and some shaky performances in the first half of the World Cup will not change that.

The fact that England have made it through their first four games without their number one at his best is a positive.

There is time for the Everton man to turn things around but he will have to do so soon.

In front of a home crowd, against a host nation, the Mexican national team will undoubtedly be relentless in their attacking actions.

And Thomas Tuchel's England will likely need Pickford to showcase his heroics.