England produced a fine performance to take all three points in their World Cup match against Croatia – but there was criticism for Everton’s Jordan Pickford.
The Three Lions came out on top in a pulsating game in Texas, showing real character to blow Croatia away in the second-half.
Harry Kane grabbed two goals, with Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also on target.
What did you make of Jordan Pickford during England’s opener against Croatia? 😬
Croatia scored two good goals, although some have questioned the role of the England defence for both strikes.
The main thing is that England won the game. It was never going to matter too much about performance, but what Thomas Tuchel did serve up last night was very encouraging.
But unfortunately, Jordan Pickford has come in for a bit of criticism, which feels undeserved.
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Some people are going overboard with Jordan Pickford criticism as England beat Croatia
Everton’s number one came in for a bit of stick last night from some England fans on social media. Some national media outlets also criticised Pickford.
Some felt he should have got a stronger hand on the strike by Martin Baturina to make it 1-1.
Others then suggested Pickford should also have done better with the second, which was fired in hard by Petar Musa.
With the first goal, criticism for Pickford is harsh because Baturina caught the ball extremely sweetly and it was always bending away from him.
Not one, not two, but three England players were in his line of sight as the ball came off Baturina’s foot, making it a very difficult save to make.
| Jordan Pickford vs Croatia |
| Minutes – 90+ |
| Total saves – 3 |
| Saves from inside the box – 1 |
| Goals prevented – -1.42 |
| Punches – 2 |
| High claims – 2 |
| Passes completed – 43/55 (78%) |
| Touches – 72 |
Musa’s goal was well crafted by Croatia, and the fault there lies with those in front of Pickford.
Ivan Perisic ghosted in between Ezri Konsa and Reece James, knocking the ball down for Musa to score from close-range. The strike was low, and it was just a good finish that gave Pickford little chance.
There were some moments in the game where Pickford took his time on the ball, letting Croatia players get close to him before he released it.
But he didn’t create any unnecessary pressure on his goal.
Some have also criticised him for punching the ball rather than attempting to make catches.
When the stakes are high, it is probably just easier to punch the ball rather than try to catch and risk fumbling.
As per Sofascore, Pickford made three saves in the game to prevent an xG of 1.49 for Croatia. One of these shots came from inside the box.
Could Pickford have played better? Probably yes.
But was he as awful as some people are making out? Most definitely not.
Those in front of him were more shaky than he was, and Pickford actually did offer himself as a great outlet when building from the back, which seems to be a very important part of the way England play under Thomas Tuchel. His 72 touches were the second most in the game, with only Konsa having more.
It’s only the first game, and Pickford perhaps did succumb to his emotions a couple of times.
But we cannot forget just how good and consistent he’s been for the Three Lions over the years.
Thankfully, he is not one to get bogged down by criticism, saying in 2020 (via BBC Sport): You just keep it away from your head as the only person who can sort things out is yourself as an individual, on the pitch and in training.
“It’s looking after things on the pitch for Everton that is my main aim. That gets you picked for England.
“It’s funny because everyone raves about you when you are with England but then you get back to your club and everyone wants to slate you.
“As a person, I don’t let it affect me.”
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