Everton keeper Pickford excels again for England
So England are through to their first World Cup semi-final since 1990 and Everton keeper Jordan Pickford was outstanding again in the Three Lions’ win against Sweden.
Pickford was widely regarded as England’s man of the match in the quarter-final victory. The Everton number 1 made three hugely important saves as England held on for the win yesterday.
Pickford has gained in strength and confidence since the start of the World Cup. The 24-year-old is emerging as perhaps England’s most important player along with captain Harry Kane.
While England certainly deserved their win yesterday, Pickford was still called on to make those key stops to preserve the lead.
Despite their great run to the semi’s the Three Lions haven’t yet beaten a top side in the World Cup and the Everton goalkeeper could be crucial in keeping England in a match against such a team.
In addition his ability on the ball is a huge asset for England. It is allowing manager Gareth Southgate to play the way he wants to bringing the ball out of defence.
The players in front of Pickford know he can be relied on not to panic in possession and to pass accurately to them. In fact according to BBC Sport he has the best passing stats of any of the remaining goalkeepers.
Blues fans saw plenty of Pickford’s shot-stopping ability during last season but he has also improved on an area where perhaps at times he didn’t always convince last season, his command of the penalty area.
He was certainly barking out the orders to his defenders yesterday giving the kind of messages that a goalkeeper needs to do.
It’s obviously great for Everton fans to see their keeper play such a major role for the national team. After a dreadful Premier League season last time round it’s something positive for the club.
From something positive to something negative. As we reported today Everton have apparently ended their interest in signing Celtic and Scotland left-back Kieran Tierney.
This was a transfer rumour that seemed to have real legs to it. The Blues were consistently linked with a move for Tierney over the past few days but now seem to have decided against trying to sign him.
There are conflicting reasons given why the proposed move is off. BBC Sport say Everton were prepared to offer up to £25 million, while the Scottish Sun are claiming that price tag is why the Blues have withdrawn their interest.
Whatever the exact reason it’s another rumoured transfer that isn’t happening and Everton have still to make any signings this summer.
A £25 million price doesn’t seem to be that outrageous for a player of Tierney’s quality, especially when you consider what Everton have paid recently. To be honest you won’t get a good player for much less than that in today’s market.
More from Prince Rupert's Tower
- Everton 0 Arsenal 1: Blues fall to third home defeat
- Further chaos in Everton takeover as other lenders not keen on 777 Partners
- Everton need repeat of Arsenal win to kick-start their season on Sunday
- More madness at Everton as Moshiri now agrees to sell club to 777 Partners
- Everton takeover talk cools after UK govt doubts and further questions
And of course Jordan Pickford cost close to £30 million and he’s emerged as an international keeper of the highest calibre.
This story also comes on the back of the James Maddison saga. It certainly seemed Everton were genuinely keen on bringing the Norwich midfielder to Goodison before eventually deciding against it and the player then moved to Leicester City instead.
As I’ve said several times it’s difficult to see exactly where the club are going at the moment regarding player recruitment. A multitude of rumours about new players come and go and yet no one has been signed.
Next: Blues end interest in Tierney
Once again lets hope the Blues apparent reluctance to pay a major fee or to close on a deal doesn’t leave Everton scrambling for signings as the transfer window closes.