Jordan Pickford’s readiness for the new season is no longer in question. Updated on 17 September 2026, this piece confirms that David Moyes has dismissed any suggestion of a World Cup hangover for his goalkeeper, pointing instead to a decisive display in Everton’s opening-day win over Crystal Palace.
Latest updates: Pickford returns sharply against Crystal Palace
Pickford was back in an Everton shirt within days of England’s World Cup run ending, and he wasted no time proving his sharpness. Toffees fans got their first proper look at him under Moyes since the tournament when Palace visited, and the 32-year-old settled any nerves quickly.
With the score goalless, Pickford produced a crucial fingertip save to deny Eddie Nketiah after Adam Wharton had put the striker through on goal. That stop kept Everton level at a key moment before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall gave the home side the lead. Thierno Barry added a second after half-time to make it 2-0.
The win gave Moyes a perfect start to the campaign and offered early evidence that Pickford’s World Cup exertions had not left him short of his best. Supporters can catch up on the wider picture from that weekend in our roundup of recent Everton news and talking points.
David Moyes dismisses World Cup hangover concerns
Moyes was direct in his assessment after the game, rejecting the idea that Pickford might need time to recover from his summer with England. The manager said his goalkeeper had trained in excellent condition and looked ready from the moment he rejoined the squad.
He described Pickford as “as sharp as a tack” in training, adding that he had returned in lean physical shape despite the extended international campaign. Asked about the save that kept Everton on level terms against Palace, Moyes did not hesitate.
It was brilliant from Jordan
Those comments leave little doubt that Moyes sees no lingering effect from the World Cup on his number one. The praise also reflects confidence in Pickford’s role as a senior figure within the squad, at a time when Everton have made changes elsewhere on the pitch.
Jordan Pickford World Cup form and Everton availability
Jordan Pickford is fully available for Everton and, according to David Moyes, in sharp form despite his heavy involvement with England at the World Cup. There is no injury concern and no sign of the fatigue some feared after a long tournament.
Pickford returned to Everton duty less than two weeks before the Premier League season began, having helped England reach the World Cup semi-finals. England’s run ended with a 2-1 defeat to Argentina, and Pickford faced scrutiny among media and supporters after Argentina’s equaliser during that game.
That scrutiny came from outside the club rather than from within it. Moyes’ comments since Pickford’s return suggest the goalkeeper has put the tournament firmly behind him, both physically and mentally, and the Nketiah save against Palace was the clearest evidence of that on the pitch.
What happens next for Moyes and Everton
Beyond the goalkeeper, Moyes used the Palace game to hand starts to several other squad members. Harrison Armstrong, Tyrique George and debutant Hayden Hackney all featured from the outset, giving the manager fresh options across midfield.
Moyes was without Christian Nørgaard and Tim Iroegbunam for the fixture, though neither absence has been described as a long-term concern. Their return will add further competition for places as the season develops.
For now, Everton’s focus is on building on a strong start while integrating players who arrived or emerged over the summer. Fans following the club’s wider off-season business can find more detail in our coverage of developments at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and those interested in the club’s identity beyond results may enjoy the history of the Everton crest. For the full context of Moyes’ original comments on his goalkeeper, see where David Moyes praised Jordan Pickford’s impact in detail.
