Troy Deeney questions Jordan Pickford’s role as England’s goalkeeper
Troy Deeney has claimed England will not win the World Cup with Jordan Pickford as their first-choice goalkeeper despite Thomas Tuchel’s side making a winning start against Croatia, reports BritPanorama.
The Three Lions launched their Group L campaign with a dramatic 4-2 victory in Texas on Wednesday night, recovering from twice being pegged back to secure all three points.
Harry Kane scored twice for England, while Jude Bellingham and substitute Marcus Rashford also found the net after Tuchel’s half-time intervention inspired a much-improved display following the restart.
Pickford earned his 85th England cap and remains Tuchel’s trusted option between the posts, having established himself as the national team’s undisputed No 1 under former manager Gareth Southgate. The Everton goalkeeper has often produced impressive performances for England at major tournaments since making his debut in 2017.
However, Deeney, a former Watford and Birmingham City striker, remains unconvinced by the 32-year-old. He suggested that Pickford is a weakness that could ultimately prevent England from lifting the trophy. Speaking on CBS Sports, he remarked, “To say the least, yeah,” when asked whether he considered Pickford too unpredictable.
Deeney expressed concerns about Pickford’s goalkeeping, stating, “I still think he should have saved the first one, that’s my opinion. I think when you get a hand to it, it’s got to be a solid hand and keep it out.” He also questioned the goalkeeper’s comportment on the pitch, suggesting that Pickford does little to reassure his defenders.
He elaborated, commenting on the confidence issues: “There’s just that feeling when I watch Jordan… there’s a shot from 50 yards and it trickles to him and he’s screaming at everyone, ‘Do your job! Don’t let any shots come in!'”
Despite Pickford’s performance amid criticism, England’s attacking prowess ensured that the team’s defensive shortcomings did not impact the result. Kane converted a retaken penalty before heading home from a Declan Rice corner, while Bellingham restored England’s lead shortly after half-time and Rashford wrapped up victory with five minutes remaining.
Looking ahead, England faces Ghana in their second group match, with another win likely to strengthen their position for qualification to the knockout stages. Following that, they will lock horns with Panama on Saturday, June 27.
As the tournament progresses, the scrutiny around Pickford’s role will only intensify, particularly as England strives to advance through the stages and contend for the title.
