Former Everton boss Sam Allardyce isn’t best pleased with some suggestions he’s heard about Jordan Pickford during the European Championships.
The 30-year-old angered England fans after the Three Lions’ bore draw with Slovenia after he was seen gesturing towards the travelling support at full time.
Pickford appeared to reiterate to supporters that England had indeed finished top of the group despite three completely unacceptable performances.
The Everton star was also seen arguing with Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice during the 1-1 stalemate against the Denmark.
One positive of England’s campaign has centred around the side’s defensive work, with Pickford beaten just once, coming during the frustrating draw against the Danes.
And by the looks of it, the Three Lions will need to rely on their backline if they’re to make the most of a favourable route to the final.
Sam Allardyce not happy with suggestion he’s heard about Jordan Pickford
As mentioned, England have only conceded one goal, which came courtesy of a rocket from Denmark’s Morten Hjulmand.
Allardyce has now suggested that any claims that the Everton man should’ve saved Hijulmand’s shot are a complete waste of time.
“They have not really been tested,” he told the Tippy Tappy Podcast. “Even look at the goal we conceded.
“This was probably the best goal of the tournament. It’s 30 or 32 yards out, and anyone who says Pickford should have saved it is a waste of time. That was a rocket of a goal. Struck perfectly, and it came in off the post.”
Jordan Pickford now record-breaker for England
Despite the result on Tuesday, Pickford is now a record-breaker for England in major tournaments.
The Everton man has 11 clean sheets in 22 appearances, beating the record previously held by Peter Shilton. Gareth Southgate would certainly welcome three more clean sheets and the England support.
With the Three Lions failing to fire on all cylinders, clean sheets must be regularly picked up if they’re to end their 56-year wait for a major trophy.
Pickford, as is repeatedly mentioned, never lets his country down – and if England are to go all the way, he will have a significant part to play.
