England scraped through to the last 16 on Wednesday, with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford making yet another start for the Three Lions.
It has been far from convincing for Thomas Tuchel’s side, but they have just about managed to get the job done.
Pickford has come under some serious scrutiny at this World Cup despite keeping two clean sheets from England’s four games.
Are you worried about what you’re seeing from Pickford? 🤔
However, the Everton goalkeeper has hit back at his critics with the perfect response as England prepare for a trip to Mexico next.
What Jordan Pickford has said to his critics amid England’s World Cup
Pickford made his 30th consecutive start for England at either a World Cup or Euros on Wednesday against DR Congo.
The 32-year-old did quickly find himself picking the ball out of the back of his net, though.
Some dreadful defending from Tuchel’s men was followed up by a fierce, low-driven shot, which Pickford was unable to prevent at his near post.
Troy Deeney has slammed Pickford and suggested that England will not be able to win the World Cup with him between the sticks.
How has Thomas Tuchel taken Jordan Henderson over James Garner? 😡
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the game on Wednesday, Pickford issued the perfect response to those who still doubt him after all of these years.
“I think the third group game against Panama was the standard. I’m just happy with my all-round game,” he said.
“I think I ticked a lot of boxes in possession, starting positions, making saves, and coming for crosses. It was just a solid game and nice to finish the group stage like that.”
Deeney specifically criticised Pickford for his vocal style of leadership, which has often seen him barking out orders to the defenders in front of him.
A truly bizarre thing to criticise a goalkeeper for, but Pickford’s subtle response to Deeney was all that was needed.
“I’m loud. I’m vocal. People just think: ‘Oh, he’s going berserk’. People should be going: ‘He just wants the best for the team’.”
Gary Neville has supported Pickford and even suggested that the England goalkeeper could get his hands on the Golden Glove at this World Cup.
It is currently Mexico’s Raul Rangel who leads the race for the award, but England could put a dent in his pursuit in the coming days when they make the trip to Mexico City.
| Goalkeeper | Team | Clean sheets |
| Raul Rangel | Mexico | 4 |
| Unai Simon | Spain | 3 |
| Jordan Pickford | England | 2 |
| 13 others | / | 2 |
It would be wrong to suggest that Pickford has been at his absolute best in this tournament so far.
However, the 32-year-old has more than enough credit in the bank as the goalkeeper for the national side to be suggesting any knee-jerk reaction ahead of Monday morning’s (BST) game.
England have scraped through to the next round, but there is a lot that Tuchel needs to tidy up before they play Mexico in their own backyard.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
