English media reacts to Jordan Pickford display as Everton star loses record vs Japan

Jordan Pickford was hailed away from Everton despite England’s 1-0 defeat to Japan on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old was brought back into the side after missing the 1-1 draw with Uruguay last time out, and he could not help Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma scored the only goal of the contest, ending Pickford’s 536-day record without conceding for his national team, with the last goal he conceded previously being against Greece in October 2024.

The Three Lions could not respond and walked off the Wembley pitch on 31 March to boos and jeers from unsatisfied supporters.

Everton will be relieved to have Pickford back unscathed, as he will be pivotal in their fight for a European place.

What was said about Everton ace Pickford?

Most sources agreed that the Everton goalkeeper was helpless to prevent the strike from Mitoma, absolving him of blame for the defeat.

The Daily Star handed him a seven out of 10 rating, saying: “Little he could do about Japan’s goal but produced excellent stop with his legs.”

The Guardian gave the Blues star a six out of 10 rating, saying: “Had no chance with Kaoru Mitoma’s goal. Saved well from Ritsu Doan as Japan pressed.”

The Daily Mail handed him a six too, saying: “Smart sliding intervention early on and made a good save at 0-1. Little chance with goal.”

Meanwhile, BBC Sport also delivered the Toffees ace with a six, saying: “Japan’s opening goal was the first time Pickford had conceded for England in 922 minutes.

“He had to produce a smart save in the second half to keep the hosts in the game”

Could England defeat affect his Everton form?

David Moyes will be relieved to have Pickford back on Merseyside, without an injury suffered on international duty.

The veteran stopper will be a key asset as the Hill Dickinson Stadium side tries to finish the season as strongly as possible and secure European football next season.

Losing the record could have a negative effect on his form going forward, but he has a strong mentality, so there is every chance that it will not have any impact on his performances for the Toffees when it matters.

He will want to be in the best possible form as he looks to help the Three Lions to win the World Cup in the summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but right now, that seems like a long shot, given their recent showings.

There were several key players missing, but the back-up options that Pickford was alongside did not make much of a case for starting, and you need quality depth to win the tournament.

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