“Everton Trio Join Euros Amid Relegation Survival: Pickford’s Playing Style Under Scrutiny as England Eyes Top Spot”
After narrowly avoiding relegation, three Everton players traveled to Germany this summer to compete in the 2024 Euros.
Despite facing two separate points deductions and off-field financial problems, the Merseyside club managed to secure their Premier League status for the next season.
Most of Sean Dyche’s squad is now enjoying a well-deserved summer break, while Amadou Onana, Vitaliy Mykolenko, and Jordan Pickford have been called up for international duty at the Euros.
Pickford was instrumental in Everton’s survival in the Premier League, achieving 13 clean sheets last season, the fourth-highest in the league.
The Everton goalkeeper has continued his strong form with England, conceding just one goal in their first two group games, which came from a powerful long-range strike by Morten Hjulmand.
Pickford has been outstanding for the Three Lions in recent tournaments, including saving two penalties in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
However, former England defender Rio Ferdinand believes Pickford’s playing style poses some issues for the team.
Rio Ferdinand on Jordan Pickford at Euro 2024
While many positions in the England lineup were debated before the tournament, Pickford’s role as the starting goalkeeper was assured.
His performances on the international stage have been impeccable, securing his place in Southgate’s plans.
Nevertheless, Ferdinand suggested on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE that Pickford should focus on shorter passing options.
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“You have to pass the ball from the back, you have to play when people are under pressure – the best teams do that,” Ferdinand stated.
“They pass the ball to players who are being closely marked because they have confidence and trust in their teammates.
“We [England] don’t do that. How often do we see the ball passed to Declan Rice? I want to see him demanding it more.
“The problem starts with Pickford because he doesn’t trust the players ahead of Kane to maintain possession. When he doesn’t trust them to play out from the back, he resorts to long balls.”
England will finish their group stage with a match against Slovenia on Tuesday night. A win would secure them the top spot and a more favorable path to the final.
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