Former Watford captain Troy Deeney has expressed strong doubts about England’s ability to lift the World Cup trophy with Jordan Pickford as their last line of defense. According to Deeney, the Everton shot-stopper lacks the composure and reliability needed at the highest level.
Pickford recently earned his 85th international cap in England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia, a match that kicked off their World Cup campaign on a positive note. Since his debut in late 2017, he has been a mainstay for the Three Lions, featuring prominently under both Gareth Southgate and current manager Thomas Tuchel.
Despite his experience, Deeney remains unconvinced about Pickford’s capabilities. The former striker voiced his concerns during an appearance on CBS Sports, stating that England’s title aspirations are compromised by the goalkeeper’s erratic behavior. “To say the least, yeah,” Deeney replied when asked if Pickford is too unpredictable. “I don’t really know the stats and all of that. I’m just saying what my eyes told me.”
Deeney pointed to a specific moment in the Croatia match where Pickford should have done better. “I still think he should have saved the first one [Croatia goal], 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 criticized Pickford’s demeanor, noting instances where the goalkeeper shouted at teammates and waved away blame. “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!'”
Deeney concluded by saying that Pickford fails to inspire confidence in the team. “Every time he parries one, fouls someone, does whatever, he’s like, ‘Don’t look at me!’ We’re trying to win a World Cup. That’s why we’re here. In my opinion, and respectfully Jordan, because you know I like you. We can’t win it with that guy in goal. He doesn’t give you any confidence.”