Jordan Pickford will be integral to England’s World Cup chances this summer, according to former Three Lions goalkeeper Jack Butland.
That’s after Troy Deeney labelled the long-time England number one as a weak link in the side.
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Appearing as a pundit on US broadcaster CBS Sports, ex-Watford striker Deeney said: “I can’t see us winning the World Cup with Jordan Pickford in goal. I just can’t.
“He scares the life out of me. Every time he has the ball at his feet, I’m like, ‘Go and pass it – pass it now’.
“He doesn’t make me feel calm like Alisson does for Brazil, for example.
“Unfortunately, when you look around, Pickford is the best we’ve got.
“When you look through the history of teams that win the World Cup, they’ve all had solid ‘keepers.”
And it’s safe to say Butland does not agree with Deeney’s assessment of Pickford whatsoever.
Goalkeepers’ union
Speaking to eSPORTY’s Andy Goldtsein and Gabby Agbonlahor on the World Cup Breakfast, the Rangers shot-stopper – who earned nine England caps between 2012 and 2018 – responded: “I love Troy, but he does come out with some nonsense, doesn’t he? For me, it’s nonsense.
“You look at what Jordan’s done in an England shirt… I hope we go all the way – I hope we do it – and if we do, Jordan’s going to be a massive part of it.”
Pickford has been England’s first-choice goalkeeper in every major tournament since the 2018 World Cup and won his 86th cap in Tuesday’s 0-0 Group L draw against Ghana.
Despite not having a single save to make all game, it was an eventful outing for the Everton custodian.
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Racing out of his goal and colliding with Ghana’s Prince Adu, Pickford was a touch fortunate that the free-kick, in fact, went his way.
Had it not, he might well have found himself seeing red and missing England’s final group match against Panama on Saturday.
It was one of the reasons why our very own Adrian Durham gave Pickford a brutal 1/10 score in his player ratings.
England ‘lacklustre’ in Ghana stalemate
Aside from discussing Pickford, Butland was asked by Goldstein whether he thought Thomas Tuchel was “unfortunate” to get such a disappointing display from his side or whether England fans were “all right” in questioning certain selection choices.
“All those lads on there are capable of causing issues to Ghana,” Butland said. “We just didn’t put it together…we didn’t do enough to break them down.
“I think that was more the gist of the game last night, for me.”
Despite drawing with Ghana, England still top Group L on goal difference and will be well-placed to win if they beat Panama.
With four points on the board, England are already all but through to the Round of 32.
