Jordan Pickford misses Everton squad for Newcastle pre-season friendly in Edinburgh

Jordan Pickford missed Everton’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle United at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, after not returning to training following his England duty at the FIFA World Cup 2026; the match kicked off at 9:45 PM IST in India.

Everton’s preparation for the new season has produced mixed results, beginning with a 4-0 win over Dundee, a 0-0 draw with Bolton Wanderers and a 1-0 victory against Stoke City. The Toffees then beat Hamburger SV 2-1 earlier this month before suffering a 3-1 defeat to Stuttgart in their fifth pre-season match, with the Newcastle fixture serving as the club’s penultimate friendly where several players returning from World Cup duty were expected to rejoin the squad.

Pickford was expected to rejoin Everton after representing England at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the Three Lions reached the semi‑final and lost to Argentina. As part of the aftermath of that campaign, players who took part in the tournament were granted extended holidays to recuperate ahead of the domestic season.

The goalkeeper has not been seen in training since his international involvement and was left out of Everton’s matchday squad against Newcastle United. In his absence, Irish goalkeeper Mark Travers started the game between the posts for the Toffees.

Everton have not confirmed a date for Pickford’s return to club action. He is likely to return at the start of the new season, and the Toffees will be expecting the 32-year-old to be present between the sticks when the new season begins.

Everton will conclude their pre-season programme with a final friendly against Lille.