Andy Dunn has tipped Lee Carsley to have talks with Everton ace Jordan Pickford after he gave away possession of the ball by dashing out of his penalty area early into England’s game against Greece.
Carsley’s men lost their Nations League game 2-1 and Pickford was only spared the embarrassment of conceding after Levi Colwill pulled off a spectacular goal-line clearance, keeping the Three Lions in the game.
The Everton ‘keeper has been a stellar servant for his nation but Dunn believes it’s time to let one of his rivals try their luck between the sticks.
“It [the mistake] was no reason to think his time at first-choice keeper is over,” Dunn wrote in the print edition of the Mirror (page 65, 11 October).
“It was though, a reason for Carsley to provide Pickford with some serious competition.
“It was though a reason for Carsley to tell Pickford that, when it comes to selection post-Southgate, he is not a shoo-in.
“England’s next engagement is against Finland on Sunday – it is surely an occasion when Dean Henderson or Nick Pope can be given a chance”.
“England’s next engagement is against Finland on Sunday – it is surely an occasion when Dean Henderson or Nick Pope can be given a chance”.
Of course, the former Sunderland ‘keeper never takes representing his country for granted, but, as he found himself the first name on Southgate’s teamsheet, it feels like he’s taken his foot off the gas somewhat.
In reality, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Carsley drop the Toffees’ number one for either Henderson or Pope due to the vast amount of changes he’s already made to the squad.
With the 2026 World Cup coming into view, if Pickford wants to keep his regular role within the Three Lions’ team, he’ll have to try a little harder to cement his first-team spot, especially if Carsley is appointed as the permanent boss.
This is obviously all speculation at the moment and Pickford may assume his first-team role in England’s next game against Finland, but, if he misses out, he’ll have to continue proving to Carsley domestically that he can still hold his own, as he has done across the start of Everton’s season thus far.
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