Everton have paid tribute to Jordan Pickford after England secured their best World Cup finish in 60 years, with the club posting on social media to congratulate their goalkeeper on the achievement.
Pickford didn’t feature in the bronze medal win itself — Thomas Tuchel handed Dean Henderson his first World Cup start in the 6-4 thriller against France, resting his long-serving No.1 after he’d started every previous match of the tournament.
As it happened, Henderson repaid the faith with a string of saves as England weathered a French fightback, with many rating him among the standout performers on the night alongside hat-trick hero Bukayo Saka.
It brings the curtain down on a tournament in which Pickford was ever-present until the very last game, continuing his run as England’s undisputed first choice under Tuchel.
After a much-earned break, he’ll return to Merseyside for pre-season, with Everton’s own campaign getting underway yesterday in Dundee and continuing against Bolton Wanderers next Saturday.
A cheerful send-off from the club, and a nod to a keeper who’s barely missed a beat for club or country over the past decade.
