Everton: BBC pundit wowed by Jordan Pickford moment despite what happened in England v Brazil
Matt Upson has lauded Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford despite conceding the only goal as England lost 1-0 to Brazil in an international friendly on Saturday (23 March).
As the 90 minutes ticked down at Wembley Stadium, it looked as though the Toffees goalkeeper would keep a clean sheet for the Three Lions, until 17-year-old Endrick slotted home on the rebound with 10 minutes remaining.
With Vinicius Jr bearing down on goal, Pickford pulled off a fine save to defy the Real Madrid attacker, but the rebound would land at the feet of the Brazilian wonderkid.
Speaking live via BBC 5 Live on Saturday (23 March, 8:42pm), Upson said: “My gut instinct is that he looked in an offside position. John Stones got caught, but Jordan Pickford made a really good save.
“Endrick just anticipated where the ball was going to be.”
Jordan Pickford represents Everton on the global stage
There had been a lot of speculation about which ‘keepers would be called up for Gareth Southgate’s squad for the double-header friendlies, with Rangers’ Jack Butland tipped for a spot.
However, Pickford’s number-one position was never under any threat, and his performance against Brazil only proved that further, pulling off a save before Endrick poked home.
After a disappointing mix-up in the England defence, the Everton man was left to his own devices, denying Vinicius from close range and giving his teammates some sort of chance to get back.
Pickford’s form will come as no surprise, though. He has been in incredible form this season, even despite Everton being threatened by the risk of relegation, boasting the second-highest number of clean sheets in the Premier League. [FotMob]
With Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski ahead of him, Everton’s defence has been absolutely formidable, conceding the joint-fourth lowest number of goals in the top tier of English football.
In other Everton news, Pickford has gushed over a ‘Rolls-Royce’ Goodison Park teammate after a recent development.
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