Graham Stuart hailed Jordan Pickford’s “huge achievement” after the Everton stopper become the youngest goalkeeper to represent England at a World Cup finals in the Three Lions’ 2-1 victory over Tunisia on Monday night.
The former Blues striker and 1995 FA Cup winner also praised the 24-year-old’s “composed and mature performance” as Gareth Southgate’s side kicked off their campaign in Russia with a dramatic victory in Volgograd.
Skipper Harry Kane headed a stoppage-time winner for England, having seen his 12-minute opener cancelled out by Ferjani Sassi’s 35th-minute penalty.
England dominated proceedings for long periods, with Tunisia only sporadically threatening going forward.