A former England international has been blasted by Everton’s official social media account after claiming that Jordan Pickford should join a ‘bigger club’ during England’s 5-0 win over Latvia on Tuesday.
Ex-Arsenal and England star Lee Dixon, who joined Sam Matterface on commentary duty during ITV’s live broadcast of the World Cup qualifier, questioned why Pickford has not moved to a ‘bigger club’ during the match, just days after the goalkeeper signed a new long-term deal with the Toffees.
Pickford last week eclipsed Sir Gordon Banks by setting a new record for consecutive clean sheets for his country — and Tuesday’s 5-0 win over Latvia now means he has not conceded a goal for the Three Lions in over a year.
The rampant victory in Riga also confirmed England’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada with two games to spare.
Ex-Toffees star Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for England before a double from Harry Kane, an own goal midway through the second half and a late strike from Eberechi Eze capped off a superb display from Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Moments after Dixon’s ‘bigger club’ remark, Everton furiously took to social media to set the record straight.
A former England international has been blasted by Everton’s official social media account after claiming that Three Lions No 1 Jordan Pickford (above) should join a ‘bigger club’
Lee Dixon questioned Pickford’s decision to stay at Everton while on commentary duty for ITV
The Toffees’ official account angrily swiped back at Dixon in an effort to set the record straight
The official club account posted on X, which read: ‘9 top-flight titles, 5 FA Cups, 1 European title, one of football’s most passionate fanbases, a world-class new stadium. Everton FC – a big club: past, present & future, @LeeDixon2.’
Angry Everton fans did not hold back on social media either, blasting the former Arsenal man for his disparaging comments about Pickford and the Toffees.
‘Lee Dixon speaking as Everton are a small club. Disrespectful to a massive football club,’ one irked supporter posted.
Another fan said: ‘Lee Dixon showing how clueless he is claiming that Pickford is only consistent for England. Such a lazy lazy narrative that’s he prone to errors for Everton when he’s the reason we haven’t been relegated over the last 3-5 years.’
A third chimed in and said: ‘What a muppet, Pickford is one of those players who doesn’t need to go to a so called big club he’s been England number 1 for so long all because of being excellent for Everton.’
A fourth added: ‘Pundits hate the fact Jordan Pickford plays for Everton and not one of the Sky six, don’t they. Lee Dixon the latest to have a dig.’
Pickford has chalked up over 300 appearances for Everton since arriving from Sunderland in 2017 for £30million and has since been an integral part of the Toffees’ first team.
Having established himself as England’s No 1 during Gareth Southgate’s reign, the goalkeeper quickly became one of the most consistent performers for his club and country in the Premier League, continuing to impress in Merseyside.
Pickford has played over 300 games for Everton since arriving from Sunderland in 2017
England qualified for next summer’s World Cup in style with a superb 5-0 victory over Latvia
Everton fans reacted furiously to the comment and made their feelings heard on social media
The victory over Latvia marked Pickford’s 80th cap for the Three Lions, placing him 16 appearances outside the top 10 all-time.
Dixon, meanwhile, recorded 22 caps for England during his senior international career, spanning from 1990 to 1999.
