'Lucky', 'Annoyed' - National media reacts to 'Bemused' 6/10 int'l performance from Everton ace

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has had his performance analysed by the national media following England’s dramatic win over Slovakia [30 June].

Pickford was unable to keep a clean sheet as Gareth Southgate’s side came dangerously close to crashing out of Euro 2024, before a last-gasp leveller from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane’s extra-time winner eventually set up a quarter-final tie with Switzerland.

Simon Mullock of the Daily Mirror published a 6/10 rating for the Everton stopper on page 51 of their print edition [1 July], claiming Pickford was “lucky to escape” when an ambitious shot from David Strelec wound up inches away from catching him out, also admitting he had “no chance” for Ivan Schranz’s first-half opener.

The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg [30 June] also gave Pickford a 6/10 and reinforced the “no chance” message for the Slovakia goal, whilst stating the 30-year-old was “bemused by everything that went on in front of him.”

Malik Ouzia of the Evening Standard [1 July] issued just a 5/10 to the man between the sticks, with only Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney given a higher mark – Ouzia described Pickford as “always annoyed about something, but had particular right to be here. Effectively a fan on the pitch for much of the game, tearing his hair out at the lack of movement ahead.”

Everton man Pickford much a spectator as England edge through

In what is a transitioning England team in terms of the levels of experience in the squad, Pickford is an important leadership figure – a view reinforced by Wayne Rooney [18 June] who has admitted his surprise at how vital the 65-cap international has become for club and country.

The Everton stopper, even when there is little to do in his own penalty area, is consistently animated and barking orders at the outfielders in front of him, and you could sense the relief when he took in a late ball from Slovakia with seconds to go, knowing the job was finally as good as complete.

Rio Ferdinand stated [25 June] that Pickford has a “trust problem” with some of his teammates, resulting in him electing not to build from the back at times.

When there are players around him with a little less experience in those high-pressure situations it can become understandable, though it is hard to see the England team all singing from the same hymn-sheet based off the four team displays at the Euros so far.

But the most important thing for the Three Lions and for Pickford – who is behind only Kyle Walker, Harry Kane and John Stones for caps in Southgate’s squad – is they remain in the tournament.

In other Everton news, the club are reportedly prepared to accept this fee for Amadou Onana.

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