National Media Deliver Clear Verdict on Jordan Pickford’s Display in England’s Narrow Victory Over Andorra
Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford completed the full 90 minutes in England’s underwhelming 1-0 win over Andorra during the World Cup Qualifiers. The result further solidified England’s place at the top of Group K, but the lacklustre performance left fans and pundits far from inspired.
While England may have claimed the win, the match itself offered little drama — particularly for Pickford, who remained largely untested throughout. The Andorran side posed virtually no attacking threat, failing to register a single shot on target, and Pickford’s gloves remained clean for the entire evening.
Pickford Under Scrutiny Amid Tuchel’s Controversial Comments
The focus on Pickford came not from his performance, but from remarks made by newly appointed England manager Thomas Tuchel, who recently hinted that he would prefer his goalkeepers to be playing in European competitions. Tuchel’s comments have cast doubt over Pickford’s place in future England squads, given that the Everton shot-stopper has remained loyal to the Toffees, who have not featured in European football during his tenure.
Pickford has been a stalwart for England since making his debut in 2017, racking up 76 international caps. He’s been the nation’s No. 1 through four consecutive major tournaments, including two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. Despite his decorated international résumé, Tuchel’s words have stirred speculation about whether Pickford’s days as England’s first-choice goalkeeper may be numbered.
Muted Night Between the Sticks: Media Ratings Reflect a Quiet Outing
Pickford’s performance against Andorra was steady, if uneventful. The game’s atmosphere — played in a stadium that was far from capacity — reflected the general sense of complacency surrounding the fixture. England were expected to cruise past the minnows, and while the result delivered three points, the execution left much to be desired.
The national media offered a consensus on Pickford’s display: solid but inactive.
iNews awarded him a 6/10, describing his role as that of “a passenger,” noting that he faced no real tests in the first half and was seldom called upon.
The Evening Standard was slightly more scathing, rating him 5/10 and quipping that “Tuchel could’ve probably started himself between the sticks and it wouldn’t have mattered much.” The review humorously suggested that Pickford’s biggest takeaway might be the tan he acquired under the Spanish sun.
Goal.com echoed this sentiment, also awarding a 5/10 and remarking that the Everton man had “virtually nothing to do” as England laboured to an uninspired victory.
The Telegraph gave him a more generous 6/10, acknowledging that while Pickford had no saves to make, he maintained his focus throughout — an essential quality for any top-level goalkeeper.
Pickford’s Club Commitment Remains Unshaken
Despite the noise around his England future, Pickford appears unfazed. The 31-year-old remains committed to Everton and is reportedly interested in extending his stay with the club. For many Evertonians, Pickford is more than just a player — he’s been a crucial figure in the club’s Premier League survival battles over recent seasons. His reflex saves and leadership have helped the Toffees avoid relegation during some of their darkest periods.
His performances in the 2024/25 campaign further cemented his importance. With 12 clean sheets in the Premier League, Pickford was statistically one of the top-performing goalkeepers in the division — behind only two others. His efforts earned praise from pundits and fans alike, with Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher naming him Everton’s Player of the Season.
A Leader On and Off the Pitch
Pickford’s influence extends beyond the pitch. During the international break, he was spotted attending an F1 event with former Everton defender John Stones, fuelling rumours of a potential return to Goodison Park for the Manchester City centre-back. Fans have joked that Pickford is doubling as a recruitment agent while on England duty — a sign of his deep commitment to Everton’s future.
Fans Rally Behind Their Number One
In light of Tuchel’s remarks, Everton supporters have taken to social media to voice their support for Pickford, many expressing frustration at the suggestion that European competition should be a prerequisite for international selection. For them, Pickford has consistently proven his quality, regardless of the club’s fortunes or standing in Europe.
Since his £30 million move from Sunderland in 2017, Pickford has grown into a dependable presence for both club and country. As speculation swirls about his international future, there’s little doubt among the Goodison Park faithful that he remains one of the finest goalkeepers England has to offer.