Tony Bellew has messaged Jordan Pickford after the Everton star made an uncharacteristic error for England against Belgium on Tuesday evening.
It was a difficult week for Gareth Southgate’s side following a 1-0 loss to Brazil and a late draw against Belgium. Of course, injuries played a part, but it’s still far from ideal preparation for the summer’s European Championships, where the Three Lions are among the favourites.
Pickford started both matches as the England boss refused to tinker with his number one. The £100,000-a-week Everton star [The Express] is almost certain to start in Germany, and after Sam Johnstone’s injury, there was no chance of the 30-year-old being rested.
On Tuesday, against Domenico Tedesco’s side, Pickford made an uncharacteristic error in the lead-up to Youri Tielemans’ goal. The Everton star played the ball straight to Amadou Onana, who cushioned it into the Aston Villa midfielder to slot into the England net.
Pickford has since taken to Instagram after England’s most recent camp, and staunch Evertonian Tony Bellew has messaged him.
The Everton star wrote, “Good week with the boys,” on Wednesday afternoon.
Bellew replied with a ‘heart’ emoji and ‘#1’, clearly alluding to Pickford’s status as England’s number one ahead of this summer’s European Championships.
Pickford has never let England down, so his mistake on Tuesday can be quickly brushed under the table. When it comes to big tournaments, Southgate knows he can call upon the former Sunderland man to step up when it matters.
Talking on Channel Four’s highlights show, Rob Green insisted that the error was the first he’s made for England.
‘It’s horrible. You have to say from Jordan Pickford’s perspective. It’s the first time it’s ever happened for England, it’s the first big mistake where it’s led to a goal. You have to move on.”
Former Toffee Marouane Fellaini also referenced Pickford’s “big mistake” on Tuesday but did highlight the impressive play from Onana and Tielemans.
The £30million signing will quickly forget the error ahead of what is a huge week for Sean Dyche’s men, who travel to Bournemouth looking for their first win of 2024.
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