‘Brilliant’: Roy Keane lauds Everton player on int’l duty despite not being his biggest fan

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Roy Keane has praised Everton’s Jordan Pickford for his ‘brilliant’ save during England’s 2-1 win over Switzerland during their friendly encounter on Saturday, as he told ITV Sport (26/03/22 at 11:10 pm).

The outspoken TV pundit admitted that he isn’t the Everton shot-stopper’s biggest fan, but he did highlight an important moment from him during yesterday’s game.

When Switzerland were 1-0 up, Pickford showcased his worth by putting Fabian Frei’s tracer bullet-like volley, from a corner, onto the post and out of danger.

It was a close-range effort from the Swiss defender and a deceive moment in the game because the Three Lions would then go on to overturn the 1-0 deficit. 

Nonetheless, this is what Keane had to say about Everton’s man between the sticks and the ‘faith’ Gareth Southgate has in the player.

“Brilliant save,” said Keane. “It was a lack of concentration from the set piece (from the team). They also hit the post. 

“But Pickford, I wouldn’t say I am his biggest fan, but that was a brilliant save.

“Gareth (Southgate) has got great faith in him. That’s the most important person. Gareth is the manager. He picks him. He looks at him, over the last few years, and he has a lot of credit in the bank and Gareth feels he has never let him down.”

People can argue all they want about Pickford on the domestic stage, but one thing is for sure, he can’t be touched when he has those Three Lions on the shirt.

The 2018 World Cup, UEFA Nations League, Euro 2020, or any other international match in general, the Everton man has been faultless for years. 

Pickford can be trusted when playing for his country and his number one spot shouldn’t be touched.

Some may point towards Aaron Ramsdale, but the Arsenal man’s form should just be seen as a big positive that Pickford has someone seriously pushing him.

The reason being, outside of those two, there isn’t much to shout about, so there is a reliable keeper waiting in reserves, in case something happens to England’s number one.