Jordan Pickford says Everton have a ‘great’ 21-year-old youngster who has everything

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Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is closing in on making 60 appearances on the international stage.

The 30-year-old could achieve the feat when England take on Brazil and Belgium next week.

Many say Pickford delivers for Gareth Southgate on the biggest stage, and that is the case. He has 28 clean sheets since making his debut in a 0-0 draw against Germany in 2017.

The Everton shot-stopper has a better clean-sheet percentage than all-time great Gordon Banks. There is a genuine argument to suggest Pickford is an England great.

However, it’s not just the 30-year-old who is present at St George’s Park this week. Jarrad Branthwaite’s excellent performances at the heart of Everton’s defence have been rewarded. The 21-year-old is set to make his senior debut over the coming days, and Ian Wright has even claimed he should start alongside John Stones at the European Championships in the summer.

Speaking about Branthwaite’s call-up, Pickford has hailed the 21-year-old’s influence at Goodison Park.

What has Jordan Pickford said about Everton teammate Jarrad Branthwaite?

In an exclusive interview with talkSPORT, Pickford has lauded the 21-year-old’s ability.

“He’s a great lad,” he said. “He went on loan to PSV last year and he’s come back to Everton flying, that’s what you want.

“It just shows you again, this England pathway, he’s under-21’s in November and the next thing he’s in the seniors after putting in good performances for Everton. His performances there show why he should be in the England squad.”

The 30-year-old added: “He’s got the all-round game as a defender. He’s calm and composed, fast and makes the right decisions at the right time, and most of all, as a defender, he gets in the way of the ball!”

What makes Jarrad Branthwaite unique in England’s squad?

If Branthwaite is given an opportunity alongside Stones, Everton, past and present, will heavily influence England’s backline.

His partnership with James Tarkowski has been mightily impressive. The Toffees have registered eight Premier League clean sheets, the fourth-best in the division.

The Everton man certainly has qualities unique to many of England’s central defensive options. As previously mentioned, his pace can often bail him out of situations and could complement Stones well.

Furthermore, he’s left-footed, something Southgate highlighted when initially questioned on Branthwaite’s inclusion.

The England boss said to the press: “He’s good with the ball. He shows good composure and mentality, and he’s a left-footer; we don’t have many left-footed defenders.

“He’s in on merit. We’re really keen to work with him and find out a bit more about him.”