Everton have just one final game remaining in their 2024/25 campaign which comes on Sunday against Newcastle United.
For some of the players, Sunday evening will mark the start of their summer break before pre-season starts.
However, there are a number of Everton players who will be departing for their international duties over the coming days.
Jordan Pickford has been called up for the England squad to play Andorra in a World Cup Qualifier.
Jarrad Branthwaite, out through injury, has missed another England call-up following Thomas Tuchel’s appointment at the start of the year.
However, there is something Gary Neville has just heard about Pickford’s spot in the squad which he just can’t believe.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Gary Neville stunned by Jordan Pickford England suggestion
Jamie Carragher hailed Pickford as Everton’s best player this season after yet another stellar campaign between the sticks.
Pickford has also nailed down the spot in the starting XI for England over the years.
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Speaking on the It’s Called Soccer podcast, Neville has responded to Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards’ suggestion Dean Henderson should be England’s number one.
“I don’t know if I’m being biased, but I can’t understand why he can’t be England’s number one. He’s shown up for us many times, so I think he deserves all the praise he gets,” said Richards.
“Look, I think Jordan Pickford, I have to say I was sceptical about Pickford a few years ago,” replied Neville.
“I think his performances for England have been really consistent. He’s performed well in tournaments, so, I think it will take quite a bit to dislodge him.”
Despite praising Pickford, Neville does expect Everton to lose to Newcastle United at the weekend in their trip up to Tyneside.
But any suggestion that someone else deserves to be England’s number one after another strong season does not sit well with Neville.
Gary Neville has sung Everton’s praises under David Moyes
Pickford is not the only Everton player who the Sky Sports pundit has waxed lyrical about this season.
Neville has also hailed Iliman Ndiaye having been left so impressed by the Senegal international at Goodison Park.
The Toffees have nothing other than pride to play for at the weekend, but Pickford will be out to upset the party on Tyneside.
Anything other than three points for Newcastle will put their Champions League spot at risk on the final day.
And the Sunderland academy product would certainly like to cause a major upset over the weekend.