Despite a number of high-profile errors and controversies, England manager Gareth Southgate has retained his faith in Jordan Pickford.
The 26-cap Everton goalkeeper has been named in the Three Lions squad for their upcoming international fixtures, despite his relegation to the bench in the Toffees’ 2-1 weekend defeat away against Newcastle. Burnley’s Nick Pope and Manchester United deputy Dean Henderson are the other ‘keepers in the squad for the games against Belgium and Ireland.
Here it is… your #ThreeLions squad for our November internationals! 📝
— England (@England) November 5, 2020
With Pickford dropping down to the bench at St James’ Park, Swedish international Robin Olsen took his place in goal. The 30-year-old, who is on loan at Everton from Serie A giants AS Roma, made a number of impressive saves despite conceding two goals, one of which was a penalty.
Ancelotti said via Everton’s Twitter channel: “I just want to give @JPickford1 a rest for this game and to give an opportunity to Olsen, to have minutes. Jordan will be back for the next game against Manchester United.”
Pickford was fortunate not to be suspended retrospectively after a horror challenge left Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk needing knee surgery in the 2-2 derby draw at Goodison Park last month.
The furious backlash as a result of the challenge was understandably concerning for the England international, who has hired extra security for his home and family as a result of the abuse and threats he endured on social media.
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This is a positive and sympathetic move by Southgate.
To drop Pickford from the England squad would do little in the way of improving Pickford’s confidence. A retention of faith internationally is to Pickford’s benefit as well as Everton; he can regain the limelight and prove himself in a less pressurised situation away from the club scene.
Indeed, the 26-year-old has enjoyed some memorable moments for the Three Lions, with Rio Ferdinand hailing his “commanding” display in the World Cup quarter-final win over Sweden in 2018.
This is something Everton fans should celebrate; if Pickford performs well for England, it may enable him to put his recent troubles behind him.
