He has been one of Gareth Southgate’s most reliable performers at their last three major tournaments but Jordan Pickford is a weak link for England, according to Didi Hamann.
With 61 appearances to his name for the Three Lions, Pickford has been an ever-present figure throughout the Southgate reign.
The 30-year-old, who was recently awarded Everton’s Player of the Season award for a third successive campaign, says he wants to be “appreciated” for his achievements.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Serbia, Pickford said: “I work hard off the pitch and on the pitch I do everything right to the best of my ability.
“I’m 30 now and I keep improving every day. If there’s anything I can learn, I want to keep trying my best to improve. That’s what keeps me pushing.”
Pickford will likely start the Group C opener against Serbia but former Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann has his reservations over the former Sunderland shot-stopper.
In fact, Hamann thinks England will not win a big title with Pickford in goal.
“My worry would be Jordan Pickford,” he said on the ‘In The Zone’ podcast. “He’s a good keeper, but I think his temperament lets him down at times. In a tournament when you might play seven games, there will be setbacks – you need a keeper who calms his teammates down.
“I think Pickford does the opposite and this is where I’ve got my worries and question marks. I don’t think England win a big title with Pickford.”
Hamann isn’t the only former player to voice his opinion on England’s goalkeeper situation.
Graeme Souness believes Gareth Southgate missed a trick when he left out “the best English goalkeeper around” from his Euro 2024 squad.
Image credit: Getty
In his column for the Daily Mail, the former Liverpool midfielder revealed his surprise at Jack Butland’s absence.
“I believe this is the strongest England squad I have seen going into a top tournament,’ he said.
“Yes, there are a few frailties in defence, particularly if Luke Shaw falls over, but generally it’s a fantastic squad and a common sense selection.
“Gareth has also been very loyal to Jordan Pickford, which I can understand, but, for me, there is another goalkeeper who should be going to the tournament.
“I’ve watched Jack Butland several times playing for Rangers this season and he is the best English goalkeeper around. I’m surprised he hasn’t earned a place.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: England, Jordan Pickford, Euro 2024, Germany
