Jordan Pickford was not spared by Roy Keane following his underwhelming performance in the Three Lions’ shocking defeat against Greece in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday night.
Vangelis Pavlidis scored his second goal of the game to secure a surprising victory. Even though Jude Bellingham’s late goal for Lee Carsley’s side appeared to salvage an undeserved draw.
Throughout the game, England’s defense looked exposed with two offside calls before halftime offered some respite. Levi Colwill’s incredible goalline clearance and an offside call against Konstantinos Mavropanos helped Pickford, who had a particularly inconsistent first half.
According to Birmingham Live, during the break, Manchester United legend, Keane spoke candidly about the England goalie on ITV.
He sharply criticised Pickford’s moment of losing the ball far from his goal: “It sends a message about concentration levels, and that spreads throughout the team. Again there’s a lack of urgency.”
Keane also expressed disbelief at Pickford’s actions: “What’s he doing? ! Do it quickly. Brilliant defending, very unlucky by Greece but a lovely message for defenders – never give it up. He chased it and did brilliant. But not a good message from Pickford to send.”
Fellow pundit Ian Wright joined the discussion, pointing out Pickford’s shaky performance: “Here again, he looks all over the place. He gets caught in no man’s land. It’s very jittery, Pickford,” he observed, reports The Mirror.
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The former United captain, Keane was unreserved in his criticism of Jordan Pickford, pointing out a persistent weakness in the Everton goalkeeper’s play.
“That will always be there with Pickford. He’s not going to change now.”
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