Jordan Pickford’s international competition could inspire positive Everton form

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Everton star Jordan Pickford is reportedly under threat of losing his status as England’s number one.

The Mirror have claimed Gareth Southgate is ‘likely’ to hand Burnley stopper Nick Pope a chance between the sticks for the Three Lions in the UEFA Nations League games against Denmark and Iceland.

It comes after Pickford endured a disappointing campaign last term that saw Carlo Ancelotti question the 26-year-old.

The Italian said: “He’s not doing well. For the quality that he has, and he agreed, he has to be better.

“I’m not so worried because he has quality, he has character, but I have to say to him, and I did say to him, that he has to improve.”

Pickford has been England’s go-to goalkeeper since before the 2018 World Cup, but his form has been questionable since his exploits in Russia.

With pressure now on Pickford in the international setup, it could be that this is the catalyst for change for the former Sunderland man – and Everton could be the main benefactors.

TBR’s View – Everton to benefit from Pope pressure?

It could be that Pope or Henderson playing against Denmark and Iceland will light a fire beneath Pickford.

£100,000-a-week star Pickford (Spotrac) seems an emotional and passionate individual, and it is clear how much of an honour it is for him to be England’s number one.

The idea of having his title taken away could well prompt a big improvement in the player at club level.

The notion of someone else muscling in on his position might just force him to up his game and tighten his focus, and that can only be good news for Everton.

Perhaps this is what has been needed, and any complacency will now be stamped out.