National media impressed by 7/10 Everton int'l ace despite 'Nervy' moment

Everton ace Jordan Pickford was in decent form as England began their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 Group C win over Serbia.

While he didn’t have too much to do in truth, the Toffees goalkeeper did make an important save from Dusan Vlahovic in the second half that played a crucial role in the Three Lions keeping a clean sheet.

The national media reacted to his performance with Guardian reporter Jacob Steinberg impressed despite one “nervy” moment.

“Earned England victory with a save from Vlahovic. Stayed focused, kicked well. One nervy punch,” he wrote for the newspaper’s website (16 June).

Craig Hope wrote for the Daily Mail (16 June): “He was a spectator in the first half but made a big gather in his goalmouth shortly after half-time, bravely getting down amid bodies to snaffle a cross. His kicking was sound and, although the clean sheet was not the hardest he will achieve, it was a safe performance with one top save late on.”

Why Jordan Pickford could be key in getting England to the further stages in Euro 2024

Pickford is the only Everton player who managed to make the final 26-man squad for Euro 2024 despite former Champions League winner Didi Hamann claiming he is a “big worry” for his country [talkSPORT, 13 June 12:27].

Toffees starlet Jarrad Branthwaite was included in the provisional squad but, despite a big clamour for his inclusion, Gareth Southgate opted to leave the young centre-back at home.

Branthwaite’s time will come and he could end up being as important to the Three Lions as Pickford has become. He might have had one “nervy” moment but he was otherwise a figure of calm in a tough second half for his country.

With well-documented issues highlighted for the England defence pre-tournament, having someone like Pickford at the top of his game will be essential to their chances of going far at the tournament.

Everton fans need no convincing of how good Pickford is and he is an absolutely crucial cog in this England team, too.

In other Everton news, David James has made a new admission in regard to the exit of Jordan Pickford.

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