Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was at fault for Greece’s opener during England’s Nations League defeat at Wembley – and Manchester United hero Roy Keane was not impressed.
Roy Keane did not hold back in his criticism of England and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after the Three Lions suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Greece in the Nations League. England – and Pickford – were left stunned on Thursday night as a late strike from Vangelis Pavlidis snatched victory – despite Jude Bellingham’s earlier equaliser.
England endured a shaky first half, with Greece having two goals disallowed for offside, before Pavlidis then broke through in the 49th minute, beating Pickford with a low shot after some nimble footwork. Levi Colwill’s impressive goal-line clearance and an offside call which favoured Pickford – following a misjudged punch – added to defensive woes at Wembley and England were, ultimately, beaten for the first time by Greece.
Speaking on ITV at half-time, Manchester United great Keane, who has often been critical of Pickford, seized the opportunity to criticise the Everton goalkeeper once more. Reacting to build-up lead to Colwill’s clearance, where Pickford had lost the ball, Keane said: “It sends a message about concentration levels, and that spreads throughout the team.
“Do it quickly. Brilliant defending, very unlucky by Greece but a lovely message for defenders, to never give it up. He chased it and did brilliant, but not a good message from Pickford to send”, as per reports from The Express.
Keane was joined in the ITV studio by former Premier League striker, Ian Wright, who was equally critical. He said: “Here again, he looks all over the place.
“He gets caught in no man’s land. It’s very jittery from Pickford.”
Keane rounded up the broadcaster’s analysis on Pickford by adding: “That will always be there with Pickford. He’s not going to change now.”
This isn’t the first time Keane has expressed a critical view of the Everton goalkeeper. However, while this display has come under the microscope, the 30-year-old has been deemed good enough to win 70 caps for England, and has been a major part of impressive runs at major tournaments in recent times.
Pickford has totted-up 287 games overall for Everton. He signed for the club from Sunderland in 2017.
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