England boss Gareth Southgate announced his squad today for the international games against Ireland, Belgium and Iceland that start next week.
The Three Lions manager is often criticised for his squad selection these days and he attracted yet more after Thursday’s announcement.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford has been named in the squad, presumably retained as first-choice goalkeeper. However, the Toffees star hasn’t been at his best for some time and his dip in form forced Carlo Ancelotti to replace him with Robin Olsen last weekend.
Southgate was quizzed about his decision to stick with Pickford and his response angered some Newcastle United fans in particular, who wanted to see Karl Darlow selected.
The England boss told Sky Sports: “When people say I have been loyal to him, he has deserved that. His performances for us have been excellent so that has not been a difficult decision for me.
“We have some competition for places but I would have to say there is nobody who I think is challenging seriously at the moment to push him out of that position.”
Pickford has mostly been brilliant for England over the past two years. The Everton man played a big part in the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in 2018.
However, Southgate’s comments about other English goalkeepers not being good enough has put him on the bad side of Newcastle fans.
Magpies goalkeeper Karl Darlow has performed incredibly well this season. The 30-year-old has started every league game and made 34 saves in total, more than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League (PremierLeague.com).
He also averages more punches (ten) and more high claims (nine) than any other keeper in the English top flight (PremierLeague.com).
Newcastle United fans were hoping their shot-stopper would receive an international call-up but Southgate’s snub and his comments have angered some supporters.
Here’s how a few Magpies fans reacted to Southgate’s comments
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
