Jordan Pickford: Uncomfortable Everton question sparked as English media react to DR Congo mistake

Jordan Pickford put in a strangely poor performance as England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.

It had not been the best of World Cups in the first place for Pickford, who endured a few weary moments in the group stage.

Thomas Tuchel's side took on DR Congo at the round of 32 stage, with the underdogs taking the lead through Brian Chipenga in the seventh minute.

After a ball out to the left, the winger would catch out the Everton goalkeeper, who took his fair share of criticism for the goal.

England would finally equalise in the 75th minute, before going on to win 2-1 courtesy of a Harry Kane double.

But, Wednesday's match in Atlanta will be one Pickford is looking to forget soon.

What was said as Jordan Pickford drops World Cup clanger?

Following the shock opener, the Toffees man was unfortunately the man of the moment

In their live blog, The Guardian would also echo the frustrations: "Cipenga takes a tough and lashes a shot into the bottom left! Pickford beaten at his near post!"

In their player ratings after the match, The Mirror would hand him a 4/10, saying: "Should not have been beaten at the near post. A poor World Cup overall."

While he was given a 6/10 score, The Independent followed the same pattern: "Should do better for the Brian Cipenga strike, as crisp as it was, he'll want to keep that out at the near post."

Finally, The Daily Express would describe it as a moment to forget.

"One of England's finest-ever, but he won't want to see the DR Congo opener back."

Now in his third World Cup, Pickford took the spot in 2018, with the current tournament now potentially his last at 32.

Everton may have a difficult question sooner rather than later

Throughout his Premier League and England career, Pickford has been ever so reliable.

Barely putting a foot wrong for the Toffees, he has retained his spot for the national team, and somehow remained potentially underrated throughout.

But, Blues fans will have noticed certain errors creeping into his game, especially the failure to claim the cross as Liverpool stole the Merseyside derby last term.

32 is not exactly young for a goalkeeper, but Pickford has let himself down on a few occasions as of late - his wobbly World Cup being the latest.

He is a superb character, and of course he will be supported to get back to his best

But, if the international form continues into the domestic season, Everton may have to ask an uncomfortable question sooner rather than later.