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Pickford with little to do in England win

Goalie had no action come his way bar a penalty

Tunisia v England: Group G - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Jordan Pickford had precious little to do as England were able to steal a late 2-1 win against Tunisia despite dominating the game. The Three Lions had the lion’s share of possession in the first half an hour and wasted chance after chance even after scoring through Harry Kane.

Apart from a couple of back passes in the first half, Pickford’s first real action was having to try to save a penalty at the 35th minute mark. The goalie got his fingertips to the ball diving low to his right, but there was too much power on the shot from Sassi and the game was tied 1-1.

Even though Tunisia were much better in the second stanza, there were no shots on goal for Pickford to deal with as the English pushed forward for the winner which eventually came from captain Kane for his brace.

Everton have just one representative in the England side for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with goalkeeper Pickford donning the #1 jersey for the Three Lions.

The 24-year-old was signed by the Blues from Sunderland last summer, and had an outstanding year between the sticks despite the tumult in defence and chaos surrounding the three managers used at Goodison Park.

Everton will be hoping for some stability this coming season with Marco Silva appointed and veteran Marcel Brands in charge as Director of Football. While the Blues need reinforcements in various spots around the field, the goalkeeper position looks stable for the next few years.

His shot-stopping abilities and comfort with the ball at his feet has led to interest from teams like Bayern Munich and Manchester United, but that appears to be more tabloid gossip than anything else.

Teammate and fullback Seamus Coleman has also backed Pickford to do well at the tournament, hailing his maturity and steady performances.