Jude Bellingham said it all with his actions deep into extra time as Everton star Jordan Pickford outshone Gareth Southgate’s favourites.
There is never really much leeway afforded to Gareth Southgate by English fans, and not least Evertonians after he decided on his Euro 2024 squad.
After all, despite Jordan Pickford’s presence, Jarrad Branthwaite’s omission was a glaring oversight in the eyes of many.
This is not the first notable omission that the Toffees have suffered from the national team, and will not be the last, but fortunately one moment occurred just yesterday which outlined how important Everton assets could and continue to be for England.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford shines for England again
Amidst all the turmoil that Southgate’s sluggish brand of football has conjured, with the front four naturally drawing criticism, Pickford remains a solid and consistent star at the back.
That attacking unit deserves scrutiny, but so too does the manager, for failing to conjure up a system to get the Bundesliga top scorer, the La Liga player of the season, the Premier League player of the season and Bukayo Saka, who notched 34 goal contributions last season, all firing.
They are fortunate that, despite their lack of firepower and fluency, Pickford and his defence have stood firm thus far this tournament, conceding just two goals in four games.
And whilst it is widely accepted that more will be needed to continue their run in the competition, with the Everton shot-stopper in net, they always have a chance.
After all, Pickford has already made England history this tournament, and could do so again with another string of fine displays as they trudge through the competition.
However, if anyone could outline the importance that the 30-year-old has on the team, it’s Jude Bellingham, who said it all as Everton star Pickford outshone Southgate’s favourites.
Bellingham says it all as Pickford outshines Southgate’s favourites
Having scored just once against Serbia, once against Denmark, and failed to break down a stubborn Slovenian outfit, there was hope that Southgate might let his attackers off the leash in their Round of 16 clash.
Or, at the very least freshen it up, given how disappointing Harry Kane has been, how anonymous Phil Foden remains, and how Saka has offered next to nothing throughout.
Meanwhile, young and hungry stars like Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer all patiently awaited their chance to shine, but were not afforded it until late in the match.
It already seemed too late by that point though, as England remained behind courtesy of a calamitous piece of defending, allowing Ivan Schranz to poke past Pickford from close range.
There was nothing he could have done, but following that he put in a truly professional performance.
Coming to claim many high balls, where he has been scrutinised for opting to punch in previous matches, he alleviated so much pressure off a backline that looked ragged all game.
And, when Bellingham stepped up in the 94th minute to equalise in stunning fashion, it only felt like there would be one winner.
But what said it all happened in the 101st minute, when Pickford came out to make yet another routine catch for him.
The pressure was mounting from Slovakia, and there were fears that another collapse might be inbound.
So, when the ball was plucked out of the sky, Bellingham strode across the turf to embrace his goalkeeper.
It was a moment that said it all – ‘we needed that’.
Pickford may not make the headlines for England, but he continues to be an ever-present stalwart and one of few beacons of hope for a struggling side.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
