Pickford England has come under fresh scrutiny after Alan Shearer said Jordan Pickford has not looked his normal self at the World Cup. The criticism lands just before England's last 16 game with Mexico on Monday morning, with the goalkeeper's work in front of a changing defence now under the spotlight.
Shearer On Pickford
Shearer said Pickford has not been as assured as normal and that his kicking has not been as good as it normally is. He added: "I think he would tell himself because of his very high standards for England that he would expect to keep that goal out the other day that DR Congo scored. Perhaps it's because of the chopping and changing in the back four that has played a part in his lesser performances so far at this tournament."
The 32-year-old has 87 international caps and has led England to the finals of the Euros twice. Those numbers explain why his recent drop in sharpness has drawn attention: England have a senior goalkeeper with a long record, yet the rhythm in front of him has been altered during the tournament.
England Back Four
England's manager has played around with his back four during the tournament, and Shearer tied that movement to the uncertainty he sees behind Pickford. He said: "The manager's got decisions to make in terms of does he stick with Djed Spence because you lose a little bit of quality down the right-hand side or does he put Konsa in there and then play John Stones at centre half? But again, that's shifting things around and moving and I don't know whether it's confusing or not, but that's moving the players around again, which I don't think has been ideal. I do think the back four looks shaky. I do think Pickford hasn't looked his normal self as well."
That is the complication in this story. Pickford is being judged on the goal he should have kept out, but the criticism is not aimed at him alone; it is linked to England's unsettled defensive line, which has already been shuffled during the tournament and now needs a settled answer before Mexico.
DR Congo Pressure
Democratic Republic of Congo exposed England's frailty on Wednesday, with Brian Cipenga giving them an early lead in the last 32. Pickford was beaten at his near post for the goal, and England still had to rely on Harry Kane to inspire a late comeback win.
Shearer also said: "I guess because of the chopping and changing of the back four, I don't think that has helped Pickford. But he certainly hasn't looked as assured and his kicking hasn't been as good as it normally is." For England, the immediate issue is whether the defensive changes stop before Monday morning, because the next game will test whether Pickford gets a steadier platform or more of the same movement in front of him.
