Jordan Pickford kicked off his World Cup campaign for England with all three points against Croatia on Wednesday evening.
The Everton goalkeeper retained his usual spot in the starting XI, but it was not a typical Pickford performance to many in the media.
Gary Neville expects Pickford to win the Golden Glove, which certainly did not get off to a good start after he had conceded twice by half-time.
Which Everton player are you expecting to have the best World Cup? 🏆
Thomas Tuchel’s side turned things around in the second half to claim all three points, but not everyone was convinced by Pickford’s showing.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford questioned after England’s World Cup opener
Pickford could have broken his own clean sheet record for England on Wednesday evening, with another major tournament blank.
That was not to be as Croatia were able to beat the 32-year-old twice inside the opening 45 minutes, with the English media far from convinced by the Everton man’s display.
“Could have done better with Baturina’s goal. Made crucial late save to keep England ahead but looked shaky,” said The Guardian.
What did you make of Jordan Pickford during England’s opener against Croatia? 😬
Pickford was able to make three saves in Dallas on Wednesday night, which prevented an expected 1.49 xG from Croatia.
BBC Sport were far from thrilled with Pickford’s display, too: “Some wayward clearances in the first half and may feel he should have done better with the first Croatia goal.”
It was a fine strike from Croatia’s Martin Baturina to get them on the scoreboard, but there is a clear feeling that Pickford could have done better.
“Will be disappointed to have let Martin Baturina’s fierce strike slip through his grasp. England looked to beat Croatia’s press through him. A half-time tweak helped but Pickford remained a little twitchy,” added The Independent.
Pickford has become such a staple in the England side over the years and is yet to really let the Three Lions down.
Wednesday night’s performance was certainly not a disaster from the Everton star, but it was not quite the polished display that fans are now used to.
The English media also criticised Pickford after the Costa Rica friendly just last week for some of his wayward passes.
Clearly there is plenty for the 32-year-old to work on ahead of next week’s game against Ghana.
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