TV pundit Johan Derksen has criticized Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his actions during England’s Euro 2024 match against Slovakia.
Speaking on Today Inside Oranje, as reported by The Express [3 July], Derksen called Pickford “terrible” and suggested he belonged in an “amateur club.” This criticism followed Pickford’s late-game celebration in the 2-1 extra-time victory over Slovakia after securing a loose ball.
Despite conceding only twice in 390 minutes during the tournament so far, with England set to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday (6 July) in Dusseldorf, Derksen was unimpressed with Pickford’s behavior.
“What really bothers me about that team is that terrible Everton goalkeeper,” Derksen said. “A goalkeeper with sagging socks, who looks like a goalkeeper from the sixth team of an amateur club.” He added, “He’s been behaving like this all year for Everton.”
Everton’s Jordan Pickford bizarrely criticized for England behavior
The criticism from the Netherlands seems unnecessary at best and appalling at worst. Since 2017, Pickford has been a reliable presence for Everton during turbulent times and is set to earn his 66th senior cap in the Euro quarter-finals.
Derksen, who had a modest domestic career in the Netherlands from 1966 to 1977 before moving into sports media, never appeared for the national team at any level.
Although Pickford had little to do in the dramatic last-16 win over Slovakia and was almost caught out by a long-range shot while England was trailing, his celebration while holding the ball in the final moments reflected English relief rather than any malicious intent.
Regardless of opinions on his top-level ability, Pickford’s consistent presence for both Everton and England provides a reassurance that will be missed when he is gone.
In other Everton news, a new transfer update has emerged regarding Amadou Onana.
