Jordan Pickford made Everton supporters proud last night.
The Everton shot-stopper produced a sensational performance in England’s 3-2 win against Mexico in the World Cup round of 16.
The national media were in awe of Pickford, as he made multiple key saves to help the Three Lions reach the last eight.
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Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Joe Hart was absolutely bang on in his assessment of the 32-year-old and some of the false narratives that are created around him.
Joe Hart bang on with his verdict of Jordan Pickford
Hart has been a popular addition to the punditry team on BBC Sport this World Cup, and he once again spoke really well on Gary Lineker’s podcast.
The former Manchester City shot-stopper explained that Pickford’s antics may frustrate some, but there’s no doubt he’s extremely effective.
“On Jordan Pickford coming into the England team and being on that world level, I understand why people had their questions over him because he’s not actually physically imposing,” Hart stated.
“He can be erratic in how he behaves. But what has won people over, and rightly so because these are all things around him, he actually has performed even since he came on at this level. When he was at Sunderland, he earned that move to Everton and he makes massive saves for his teams.
“When you get to know him and you get to understand him, people who don’t understand him see all of these antics, touching and rolling around on the floor. That’s what makes him great. It’s not as pleasing on the eye, but that’s Jordan Pickford, he’s not pleasing on the eye, but my god he’s effective, and you can trust him, and in the big moments he wants to stand there and be that guy.
“That’s massive to have in a team. To be the England number one for so long, and to keep improving and stepping up in a big game, I’m so pleased he had that night tonight and he deserves every bit of praise he’s going to get.”
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Troy Deeney recently said that England can’t win the World Cup with Pickford in goal, citing some of those apparent drawbacks Hart touched on.
So, his superb Mexico performance will certainly have silenced Deeney and many other pundits who share the same opinion.
It’s about time Pickford is respected and viewed as one of the greatest goalkeepers this country has ever produced.
He’ll certainly earn that praise if England win the World Cup, but first they must get past Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
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