Everton play their final game of the season against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday – and for many, attention will then turn to the World Cup.
Everton’s season is finishing with a whimper, with the club currently on a six-game winless run.
David Moyes’ side have thrown European football away, and many fans on social media are currently very disgruntled.
Should Jordan Pickford now be considered one of the world’s best goalkeepers? 🤔
Gary Lineker is adamant he should 👀
After the game with Spurs, many will head off on holiday in a bid to recharge their batteries. Moyes has used the fewest players this season, and fatigue has clearly been on show.
But for a number of others the football continues, with the World Cup commencing on June 11.
And one man who could be very important for his country in the eyes of Wayne Rooney is Jordan Pickford.
Wayne Rooney talks up Jordan Pickford for England ahead of World Cup
The final England squad has not yet been announced by Thomas Tuchel, but Everton’s Jordan Pickford is certain to be in.
And quite possibly, this could be his final World Cup given he would be 36 at the 2030 one.
Right now he’s in his prime, and Wayne Rooney has been speaking about his importance for England this summer.
He said in an interview with Brazilian legend Romario on his YouTube channel: “For me the best point is both ends of the pitch, Pickford and Harry Kane. Harry Kane in my opinion is the best English striker ever.
“I think his goals he scores are incredible and Pickford has consistently been very good for England over the last 10 years.
“So I think those two positions are the most important for England now.”
Rooney then suggested that while the heat and humidity will be difficult factors to deal with, he believes England have what it takes to go all the way.
England need Pickford on top form
Rooney rightly points out the two strongest areas of the pitch are at both ends.
Harry Kane is world-class and hopefully he will deliver the goals needed to guide England to glory.
But Pickford playing like we know he can will be every bit as important.
He has rarely ever let England down, and he goes into the tournament in decent form. He was absolutely thriving for Everton a couple of months ago, but has perhaps just dipped slightly in these last few weeks.
If England do win the World Cup and Pickford makes a great impact, surely a conversation will take place about him being the Three Lions’ greatest ever stopper.
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