Everton manager Sam Allardyce has revealed that he is pleased with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford though he doubts that the young keeper will start for the England national team at the 2018 World Cup.
Pickford played impressively on Saturday and was a key reason as to why the Toffees managed to gain a creditable draw against Chelsea.
He made four crucial saves, two from Pedro and another two from Eden Hazard to ensure that his club remain unbeaten since Allardyce became manager.
Pickford made his debut for the Three Lions last month and he will be one of the contenders to start for England at the 2018 World Cup especially considering that Joe Hart has been demoted to second choice goalkeeper of West Ham.
When asked if Pickford could start for England at the World Cup in Russia, Allardyce said: “It might be a bit early. (But) it is not beyond what he can deal with.
“He is 23, going on 30, so he is very mature for his age and he takes responsibility. He sometimes looks at me and says, ‘What you talking to me like that for, I’m a great goalkeeper’. Which I quite like!
“He knows what he is and he’s hopefully going to get as far as he can, doing a great job for us. He seems to be able to get the right spot. His starting position is exceptionally good and that is why he is making the saves he is.
“He will be a few years from his best if he wants to mature and learn, and practice and practice. If he thinks he has made it and he’s arrived and doesn’t do all that practice, he will get caught out and won’t achieve what he can achieve.
“I knew he was a talented goalkeeper when I watched him on loan at Preston and it is why I got him back at Sunderland. His growth is miraculously quick for a goalkeeper.”
