The national media lauded Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for some “very important moments” in England’s Euro 2024 triumph over the Netherlands. Following the Three Lions’ 2-1 victory in Dortmund, the Daily Mail (11 July, page 59) and Daily Mirror (11 July, page 77) gave the 30-year-old Toffees stopper ratings of 6.5 and 7/10, respectively.
Pickford conceded to the Oranje’s Xavi Simons inside seven minutes, but made a crucial save in the dying moments to deny Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, only a few minutes before Ollie Watkins won it for England. Pickford’s late save was regarded as a “very important moment” (Daily Mail), despite the fact that he was a “spectator” (Daily Mirror) for the majority of the contest. Jordan Pickford’s England performances come as no surprise to Everton fans.
Pickford has been making critical saves on both the club and international levels for many years, with his stop to deny Van Dijk being the most recent of several big moments for the Three Lions. Toffees fans will be especially pleased that it was Liverpool’s captain, of all players, who squandered the opportunity to win it for the Dutch, and even happier that their number one kept him at bay.
Despite doubts about his defence prior of the competition, the Blues goalkeeper has only surrendered four goals in Euro 2024, and this is reflected in his domestic play as well. Despite their low league position, which was exacerbated by point sanctions for financial fair play violations, the Toffees conceded only 51 goals last season, trailing only the Premier League’s top three teams.
With the league’s fourth-best defensive record while finishing sixth-bottom, Pickford has all bases covered for both Everton and England heading into the new season.
