Former Watford captain, Troy Deeney has insisted that England cannot win the World Cup with Jordan Pickford as first choice goalkeeper.
Pickford achieved his 85th cap for the Three Lions during the 4-2 victory against Croatia on Wednesday night, marking a strong start to England’s World Cup campaign.
The Everton goalkeeper made his international debut in late 2017 and has consistently been a key player for the team, demonstrating reliability throughout Gareth Southgate’s tenure and now under Thomas Tuchel’s management.
Nevertheless, former Watford and Birmingham City forward Deeney remains skeptical about the 32-year-old’s capabilities after all these years representing England.
In fact, he believes that England’s chances of winning the World Cup this summer are hindered by the former Sunderland goalkeeper.
During an appearance on CBS Sports, Deeney was questioned about whether he thought Pickford was too unpredictable, to which he responded: “To say the least, yeah. I don’t really know the stats and all of that. I’m just saying what my eyes told me.
‘I still think he should have saved the first one [Croatia goal], that’s my opinion. I think when you get a hand to it, it’s got to be a solid hand and keep it out.
‘There’s just that feeling when I watch Jordan…there’s a shot from 50 yards and it trickles to him and he’s screaming at everyone, “Do your job! Don’t let any shots come in!”
‘Every time he parries one, fouls someone, does whatever, he’s like, “Don’t look at me!”
‘We’re trying to win a World Cup. That’s why we’re here. In my opinion, and respectfully Jordan, because you know I like you. We can’t win it with that guy in goal. He doesn’t give you any confidence.’