England’s wait for a first World Cup since 1966 goes on after a devastating loss to Argentina last night – and media outlets have dropped their verdicts on Everton’s Jordan Pickford.
The Three Lions’ dream is over for another summer, after Argentina came from behind to win 2-1 in Atlanta.
England got their noses in front through Anthony Gordon.
Are you worried about what you’re seeing from Pickford? 🤔
But that then led to a very strange approach from England, who invited pressure for the rest of the game.
Thomas Tuchel has come under fire for his substitutes and going with five at the back, when it made more sense to push for a second goal.
Lionel Messi put in an inspirational display after England scored, providing two assists to drag his team to victory.
After a bitterly disappointing night, media outlets gave their thoughts about Jordan Pickford.
Jordan Pickford praised despite England defeat to Argentina
Pickford made a bit of an iffy start at the World Cup and drew some, perhaps overly harsh, criticism for his performances in the group stages.
Against Mexico though he was outstanding, but was then branded shaky against Norway.
Against Argentina, Pickford made three saves, including a very good one from Nico Gonzalez, who found space to head the ball downwards from Messi’s whipped cross
Some have questioned Pickford over the equaliser by Enzo Fernandez.
His shot from the edge of the box wasn’t in the far corner, and some felt Pickford might have got fingertips to it.
But the goalkeeper’s line of sight was restricted, and there was plenty of power on the strike by the Chelsea man. In some ways, it was a similar to the goal Martin Baturina scored for Croatia.
On the whole, English media outlets were in praise of Pickford.
- Telegraph (7/10): “Beaten by two goals right at the death. It would be harsh to point fingers at him for the Fernández goal as the Chelsea midfielder found the top corner. And he had no chance with the second. His earlier save to deny Nico González bettered his stop at the Azteca. Also called into action with a near-post save to deny Julián Alvarez. Had to cope with Giuliano Simeone, son of Diego, in his face at corners winding him up like his father did to David Beckham.
- Independent (6/10): “The England goalkeeper could do little about the second goal but perhaps got his positioning a little off for the first. Can’t be blamed for not holding out after a surprising change in tactics.”
- Guardian (7/10): “Had little chance with either goal. Pulled off a sensational save from González but that will be forgotten now.”
- Mirror (7/10): “Good long range kicking, commanded his penalty box better and was solid, making an outstanding low save to deny Gonzalez.”
- Daily Mail (7/10): “Did not have a save to make in the first half but was there with strong arms to deny Alvarez after the break. Made an even better stop when getting down low to keep out a Nico Gonzalez header at 1-0. Won’t like being beaten by Enzo Fernandez from 25 yards, but had little protection. Was left exposed again for winner.”
He wasn’t at his imperious best this summer, and perhaps his form with Everton dipping at the end of the 2025/26 season didn’t help his cause out in North America.
He’ll have his sights set on the Euros, but he’ll be 36 at the next World Cup so it is very possible that this was his final chance to win the ultimate international prize.
Pickford will now have a few weeks off before returning for pre-season with Everton.
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