Pickford and six U21s called up for Engalnd

Congrats to all the youngsters... be great, lads!

I find it inexcusable that Southgate hasn't taken a look at Tom Davies or even Dominic Calvert-Lewin. These are young prospects who the friendlies seem made for, both talented, versatile, and worth a look. Instead he's looked at Winks, Ward-Prowse, Maguire, the Burnley defender, Abraham, Cork, and keeps selecting Jake Livermore! Ffs!

Please name a better uncapped current player than Tom Davies!!

Okay,

Ben Mee.

Davies has great experience now (is it 52 Premier League appearances?) but, if we're honest, shouldn't have been picked; same for Calvert-Lewin, who would find it odd that Solanke from down the road got the call last time...

I hope Theo can get some goals between now and the end of the season and get himself in the squad – he must look at Welbeck's selection and wonder, if he had stayed at Arsenal, would he be in...?

Davies, while a player with tons of the dreaded "potential", has done nothing to merit a call-up. He is not an overlooked player at his position; he is simply not one of the top English midfielders at this time. He surely should have to nail down a starting spot on his own squad (a poor one at that) before he can be considered.

Give him a couple of seasons, and if he improves his overall game, then you and I will likely agree on him being a fixture in England's squad. I will agree, he somehow should be in Everton's starting line-up regularly though.

Calvert-Lewin – Ditto

Pickford – although this will be unpopular – should be training with the first team, but should be nowhere near the first XI until he irons out the errors in his game. He has the potential to be the best in the world – but not yet.

Once we reach the mathematical figure which ensures safety, I would like progress for him to believe that he is an automatic choice. Robles has waited patiently in silence, without complaint. We are all well aware of certain 'howlers' which he made in the past, but it should be remembered that, immediately prior to Pickfords arrival, Robiles was in excellent form, keeping several clean sheets and making some fine saves.

Outfield players are not guaranteed a place in the team, their selection should be based solely on current form. Competition is a healthy thing, it keeps players on their toes. Goalkeepers are no different, regardless of popular opinion, or how much we paid for them. Hopefully, in time, Pickford will iron out his deficiencies and become a top keeper. He needs to do so, in my opinion, before he takes to the International stage.

England like Everton are poor. Play well to beat poor teams, get shown up against decent teams and 9 times out of 10 are 'unlucky' against the better teams. Sound familiar.

I think Butland is the better keeper but Pope is blessed with good form and deserves a chance. Personally I think judging young goalkeepers is the toughest to get right and I'd never buy a goalkeeper under 25. Everton have failed more than most in this area. Millions wasted back in the day when we had no money!

Pickford's a good goalkeeper but I don't see him improving too much. He can learn to cut out a few mistakes but his strengths (shot stopping, speed and distribution) I don't see getting better. He's also on the small side so he's never going to command the box or be great at crosses.

I always liked Robles but the 'pass it out' football didn't suit him or most of our defenders. They all made mistakes and put each other in trouble.

Funnily enough I think Martinez would have loved Pickford, a much better fit.

Pickford is as good as any of the keepers in there as they all make mistakes but Pickford has been behind a team with atrocious defending qualities all season.

Sadly as an Englishman I have to admit they do not have the quality to beat the good teams, much like Everton.

I agree that there has been a regular Man Utd bias over the last 25 years or so, but Rashford, Lingard and Young are probably there on merit right now.