Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Stephen Killen

Gary Neville explains why he believes Jordan Pickford is better for England than Everton

Gary Neville believes Jordan Pickford is a better goalkeeper internationally than at club level, following his England display on Friday night.

Neville described the Everton shot-stopper as the "only player that played to a standard" in the goalless draw.

For England, the result could've been a stark reality check had it been for one man - Pickford.

The Three Lions were off the pace, lacking intensity, Steve Clarke's side simply wanted it more with the Scots knowing anything other than a point was a failure and ultimately the end of the European Championship hopes.

Pickford emerged as one of Carlo Ancelotti's key players after numerous top performances towards the end of the season for the Blues.

Friday's Euro 2020 performance from the 27-year-old not only reaffirmed his credentials as the rightful placeholder as Gareth Southgate's starting goalkeeper, but also puts the Toffees in good stead for the upcoming Premier League season.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was an unused substitute as captain Harry Kane was hauled off midway through the second half following a disappointing display - but it was the man between the sticks who took the headlines.

It could've been a different outcome for England and midway through the first half came arguably the game's biggest chance, a searching delivery to the backpost was met by Stephen O'Donnell on the volley only to be denied by a strong right arm by the off-sighted Pickford.

Speaking on the Overlap YouTube channel, Neville said: "I thought he (Pickford) was the only player that played to a standard.

"I thought they really did try to target him, Scotland, on the set-pieces they put men in, around him and tried to whip it on top of him.

"I thought he dealt with those balls really well and I've been critical of him at times at Premier League level because I don't think he physically handles the balls into the box.

"His shot-stopping, which to be fair to him is usually good, was safe and sound last night and I thought he performed really well and generally, he was the star performer for England.

"For me, he is a far better goalkeeper at the international level than he is at Premier League level.

"He reminds me of (Fabian) Barthez, for France was fantastic, put under less pressure than you would be in league matches and it really suits him.

"Fair doos to him, no doubt been put under pressure over the course of the season in terms of questions over whether he will keep his spot but I definitely think last night was a good night for him."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.