Some Everton fans have been reacting on social media after Spain scoring against Italy ensured England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will have the most clean sheets at Euro 2020.
Pickford is yet to concede at the tournament after shutting out Croatia, Scotland, the Czech Republic, Germany and Ukraine. His efforts between the sticks have helped the Three Lions reach the semi-finals, where they will face Denmark on Wednesday.
And after Alvaro Morata scored against Gianluigi Donnarumma on Tuesday, Everton ace Pickford cannot be caught for clean sheets. The Italian was his last challenger, as noted by BBC Sport, but can only finish the tournament with four even should he feature in the final.
Pickford has, in fact, not conceded in 630 minutes of international football. The last goal he allowed in came against Belgium during a Nations League tie last November. The England number also kept 10 clean sheets in 31 Premier League games for Everton last term.
His domestic efforts were not always consistent under Carlo Ancelotti, but Pickford shone for Everton as the season trailed off. The £100,000-per-week shot-stopper has now taken that form with him to Euro 2020, very much to England’s benefit.
Ukraine hardly kept Pickford busy, but he excelled against Germany with sprawling saves to deny Timo Werner. The 36-cap international had to produce a fantastic fingertip stop to keep Kai Havertz from scoring, as well. He also needed flying stops to deny Czech star Tomas Holes and Scotland’s Stephen O’Donnell after a quiet day against Croatia.
The Everton ‘keeper has impressed Southgate, who praised Pickford before facing Germany for his performances with England. “He’s been excellent,” the Three Lions boss said, via Chronicle Live. “It’s like a striker scoring goals – goalkeepers want clean sheets.”
Everton fans react to Pickford’s Euro 2020 accomplishment
But not all onlookers have been impressed by Pickford, with Lee Dixon often critical of the Everton goalkeeper. Chronicle Live note alongside Southgate’s comments that the ITV pundit has heavily scrutinised the 27-year-old’s efforts.
The Liverpool Echo also note how some Everton fans are perplexed by Dixon’s tendency to question Pickford’s performances. Although the Arsenal icon responded on Twitter, claiming: “All Everton fans seem to have selective hearing.”
So, when it was confirmed that Pickford will have the most clean sheets at Euro 2020, a few Everton fans were quick to remind Dixon. Others, meanwhile, simply shared their praise for the shot-stopper’s efforts for club and country. Here are some of the messages shared…
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