Everton: BBC Sport pundits agree over Jordan Pickford as Jarrad Branthwaite claim made
Everton star Jordan Pickford should start for England in their Euro 2024 opening match against Serbia.
That is according to five BBC Sport pundits, who have all selected their goalkeeper in their ideal Three Lions XI.
Chris Sutton, Michael Brown, Matt Upson, Phil McNulty and Guillem Balague all believe the Toffees ace deserves to start for Gareth Southgate.
Brown meanwhile also discussed the potential of Jarrad Branthwaite being given a start, although in the end he settled for Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.
“Could Jarrad Branthwaite be in it instead of Maguire?” said Brown, as per BBC Sport (27 March). “He's going to have to go some to take him out because of the experience Maguire has got and the way he is performing.”
Everton ace Jordan Pickford certain to start for England
England manager Southgate will now be analysing all of his options following the latest international break, with time running out as he prepares to name his final Euro 2024 squad.
The Three Lions met Brazil and Belgium in friendly clashes this month to prepare for the tournament, losing 1-0 to the former and drawing 2-2 with the latter.
Toffees number one Pickford played the entirety of both matches, with his place secure this summer despite the goalkeeper making a very poor error for Belgium’s opener.
His Goodison Park teammate Branthwaite is, however, at the other end of the spectrum when it comes to a place in the Three Lions squad, with the defender not seeing any action in the recent Wembley friendlies.
The centre-back has enjoyed a rapid rise, with his displays in blue this season earning him an international call-up for the first time, but Southgate opted not to have a look at Branthwaite on the pitch this month.
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