Once again, Jordan Pickford came under the spotlight as he took to the field for England, and at long last the headlines were positive and appreciative of the Everton goalkeeper.
Far too often the media has doubted Pickford, talking about who should replace him or what he might’ve done better in games when, in reality, he has been one of England’s and Everton’s stand-out performers for a long time now.
Pickford became the first English goalkeeper to register eight consecutive clean sheets in the win over Wales, surpassing the great Gordon Banks’s previously held record.
Even then, there were some who suggested the opposition meant Pickford’s achievements were in some way less impressive. Some people just can’t help themselves.
Everton to reward Jordan Pickford with a new long-term contract
His level of performance, in particular for Everton, has been exemplary and has not only contributed significantly to the points tally of the team, but I believe his saves have ensured Premier League football for the club on more than one occasion in the past few years.
It’s a fact that the 31-year-old has been performing at an extremely high level for a number of years now for club and country, and is the first name on the teamsheet (not just numerically) for both.
Pickford can be vociferous and, at times, he can appear overconfident, but he’s certainly matured and his experience has become a real asset.
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Jordan Pickford will join James Tarkowski in signing a new deal at the club this week as the England number one is expected to commit his long term future at Everton this week.
In terms of the length of contract, one which will see him end his career at Everton would be the ideal scenario – something which from what I hear is something he’d be happy to do.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
He is vital to the new era developing at the club, he provides stability on the pitch and a new long-term deal would provide stability off it.
James Tarkowski puts pen to paper on new deal
It was good to see James Tarkowski put pen to paper on a new contract last week. Another player that cements the sense of solidity around the club and someone that always speaks well for the team.
Tarkowski is a warrior, like a good few Everton centre-backs before him – a no-nonsense defender who garners a great camaraderie in the dressing room. I remember when I was heading up the north west operation for Sky Sports News six or seven years ago, and every single transfer window there would be huge speculation about him leaving Burnley. It felt like almost every week we were asking then manager Sean Dyche about the rumours, he never did make a move until of course Frank Lampard brought him to Everton.
Tarkowski’s contribution has been immense since he joined in 2022, and despite enduring the odd dip in form, he again, like Pickford, has given much needed stability to the team at crucial moments.
His leadership on the field in particular has been a real asset, especially for the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and latterly Jake O’Brien, both have benefited from Tarkowski’s experience.
James Garner also deserving of contract extension at Everton
However, for me the takeaway from this international break is that the club is getting its business done, the decision making is positive and as we head towards the busy winter the optimism remains.
Tarkowski spoke of the feel good factor at the club after signing his contract, “I’ve loved every minute so far working under the manager, he has made it clear where we are going with this club”.
There are big games on the horizon but as I’ve said before there feels a real sense of direction around the place, with the caveat that there’s work still to be done.
New deals for Pickford and midfielder James Garner, another who is enjoying life at Everton, will further strengthen the belief that the optimism is real and the fans can actually hope for good things to come.