There has been plenty of focus on Jordan Pickford’s performances for England at the World Cup.

The Everton goalkeeper beat Jack Butland and Nick Pope to the No.1 shirt but so far he has failed to win over his critics.

Pickford conceded three goals in the group stage but it was the goal he allowed against Belgium that attracted the most attention.

Adnan Januzaj cut inside from the right and curled home a superb effort into the top left corner.

Gary Neville argued that Pickford went to save Januzaj’s shot with the wrong hand, while Thibaut Courtois suggested the 24-year-old was too concerned with making a fancy stop.

“I would have caught it,” the Belgium ‘keeper told Voetball24. “He was too busy throwing his legs in the air.”

Regardless, Gareth Southgate has put his trust in Pickford as England go in search of a World Cup triumph.

What Kirkland told Liverpool

Pickford’s performances in his debut season for Everton earned him the club’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards.

The Toffees paid £30 million to sign him from Sunderland - but he wouldn’t have been available if Chris Kirkland had his way.

Pickford was on loan at Preston North End in 2015-16 when Kirkland was the No.1 and the former Liverpool ‘keeper has revealed that he told Anfield chiefs to sign the youngster.

“I was raving about him to the Liverpool staff, saying this lad is the best I’ve worked with,” Kirkland told talkSPORT.

“I told them he is going to be something special – but not many people take notice of me to be honest!

“Unfortunately they didn’t get him and Everton have got, for me, a steal even at £30 million.”

Liverpool could have done with a goalkeeper of Pickford’s talent in the Champions League final.

Following Loris Karius’ nightmare, and Simon Mignolet’s inability to step up, Liverpool are probably going to have to spend considerably more than £30m to sign a top goalkeeper.

The Reds have been linked with Jasper Cillessen and Jan Oblak, while the Liverpool Echo report they have no interest in signing Kasper Schmeichel from Leicester City.