Everton and England pair Keane and Pickford proving their doubters wrong

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In the summer of 2017, Everton spent big money bringing two promising young English players to Goodison Park.

Michael Keane and Jordan Pickford moved from Burnley and Sunderland respectively to bolster Everton’s defensive options.

Central defender Keane moved to Everton for a reported £30m. Pickford joined from relegated Sunderland for £25m rising to £30m.

In their first season, Keane and Pickford had contrasting campaigns.

Keane failed to find his best form and was often criticised for his mistakes, while Pickford’s impressive exploits in goal saw him become England’s number one at the World Cup.

But this season, Keane has put his early Everton worries behind him and thrived at the back.

The 25-year-old has even earned himself an England recall, where he could line up alongside team-mate Pickford for the Three Lions.

When Everton splashed a combined total of around £60m on these two players, rival fans ridiculed the Toffees.

But Everton now have Keane, 25, and Pickford, 24, at the peak of their game and with plenty of years left in the tank.

If these two continue to star for Everton in seasons to come, they will justify their significant price tags.

And as they both prepare to line up for their country, it could be a long and illustrious career for Everton and England for Keane and Pickford.