Shay Given praised Everton’s Jordan Pickford after watching the goalkeeper play for England against the Netherlands on Friday.
The BBC pundit shared that he was impressed with how comfortable the Toffees goalkeeper was with the ball at his feet, even though he admitted that playing that way could cause fans to hide behind their sofas.
“Pickford is very very comfortable, the most comfortable of all the goalkeepers in the squad with the ball at his feet,” said Given on BBC’s Football Football, as uploaded to the broadcaster’s website.
“I think last night (England v Netherlands) he proved that, Gareth (Southgate) said in his interview after that he was very very comfortable.
“There’s a risk element to that especially in major World Cup finals, people at home may be sort of hiding behind the sofa if he is getting closed by attackers and stuff.”
“To be fair to Jordan Pickford he is very good (with the ball at his feet) at that.”
Pickford was winning only his second England cap on Friday and registered a clean sheet during the 1-0 victory over Ronald Koeman’s side.
OPINION
The Toffees goalkeeper staked his claim to be England’s first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup on Friday by putting in an impressive performance. Pickford may not have been regularly tested in the game, but should have shown enough in order for Southgate to start him in the summer. This season has been a fantastic one for the 24-year-old goalkeeper, despite his side having a terrible time in the league. Pickford has managed to standout as one of the Toffees only successful summer signings, and seems to have a bright future at the club. If the 24-year-old can become as important for Southgate’s side as he is at Goodison Park, England fans everywhere will be thrilled.