And whilst a whole host of their first-team stars featured for their various countries, it was Jordan Pickford who has dominated the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Directly to blame for Belgium’s opening goal in their 2-2 draw with England, the former Sunderland man was left shrugging his shoulders due to a lack of options before misfiring his pass into midfield.It would subsequently come right back at him, with Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans finishing smartly with his left foot. Pundits have unsurprisingly rushed to criticise him.
Seeking to offer a fine range of coverage on England’s clash with Belgium last night, Channel 4 pulled in three fine pundits, with Marouane Fellaini a surprise but welcome addition.
Having made 87 caps for the visitors, as well as enjoyed an 11-year spell in England with both Everton and Manchester United, he was best placed to offer his verdict on the match’s proceedings.
However, when his beloved Belgium slotted home the opener, he was simply forced to lambast one of the Toffees’ top assets.
When asked about Pickford’s error, he gave the following summary: ‘Yes, like I said it’s a big mistake from the goalkeeper but that touch of Onana and the shot of Tielemans is amazing. It’s a good goal’.
A man of few words, he certainly could have been much harsher. However, this was a rather large gaffe by the 30-year-old’s standards.
A first England mistake for Jordan Pickford
Whilst the error was of his own making, firing a loose ball into midfield which allowed Amadou Onana to set up the opener, this actually marked Pickford’s very first mistake for his country.
BBC journalist Phil McNulty even wrote: ‘OPTA stats confirming that was Jordan Pickford’s first mistake that has led to a goal in 60 England appearances.’
So, overreaction is not quite necessary.
However, as is always the way with the media, Pickford is the perfect figure for them to try and tear down.
A charismatic and sometimes eccentric personality who exudes confidence, the fact that the £30m shot-stopper dares to stand out makes him an easy target for those looking for someone to blame.
As such, many rush to scrutinise his every action, whether it be shouting at a teammate or complaining after being forced into a save.
Those reviewing the match need not pile onto Pickford after his error, but inevitably there will now be widespread calls from the uninformed masses to swap him out for one of the many waiting in the wings to claim his number one spot.
However, in reality, nobody comes close
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