England manager Thomas Tuchel warned against making ‘very big mistake’ with Everton’s Jordan Pickford
Everton’s players have now departed for the first international break of 2025.
David Moyes will welcome the break from Premier League action, with his side now struggling to convert their recent run of draws into wins.
The Toffees are nine unbeaten in the Premier League, but their last four results have all been draws.
Everton are still nursing a number of long-term absentees through injury, with Moyes unsure when Iliman Ndiaye will return.
The 61-year-old will be hoping his players are able to return from their international call-ups fully fit and without any further injury concerns.
Ahead of their game on Friday, the new England boss, Thomas Tuchel, has been warned against making his first major mistake with Jordan Pickford.
Thomas Tuchel warned against England mistake with Everton’s Jordan Pickford
Pickford has been praised for his Everton performances this season, with the 31-year-old playing a huge role in their solid defensive record.
The goalkeeper can sometimes go overlooked, with the Sunderland-born shot-stopper putting in a seriously impressive display against West Ham, without getting his clean sheet.
BBC Sport reporter Phil McNulty has now warned Tuchel against making his first mistake at England in trying to replace Pickford between the sticks.
“It would be a huge shock should Tuchel decide to change his keeper. And in my opinion a very big mistake,” he said.
“Jordan Pickford has been outstanding and consistent for England – and Everton – for so many years and has always delivered big performances on the big occasions under Gareth Southgate.
“I actually do not believe he has any serious rivals as England’s number one keeper. I do not see any current grounds on which that should change.”
It hasn’t been the best week for Pickford whose reaction was priceless after Newcastle’s cup win over the weekend.
But the 30-year-old will be keen to put that behind him when England play Albania on Friday at Wembley Stadium.
James Trafford is pushing to succeed Pickford for England
The two other goalkeepers to be called up are Aaron Ramsdale and Burnley’s James Trafford.
With Ramsdale really struggling with bottom-of-the-league Southampton, Trafford may be viewed as Pickford’s main competitor.
The 22-year-old has had a sensational season in the Championship with Burnley as he chases down the clean sheet record for one season.
However, Pickford has received Alan Shearer’s backing after what has been another impressive season in a turbulent Everton side.
Arsenal have now made contact to sign £37m attacker who flopped at Everton
A number of Everton players who flopped on Merseyside have carved out good careers elsewhere.
Alex Iwobi is a good example of that, as he’s now flourishing at Fulham under former Everton manager Marco Silva.
Teammate Antonee Robinson is also enjoying a successful career at Craven Cottage having left Everton in 2019.
Robinson is widely considered one of the best left-backs in the Premier League and has been linked with a move to Manchester City for £40m.
Now, another former Everton player is being linked with a mega-money move ahead of the summer transfer window.
