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Thomas Tuchel is one of those who gets straight to the point and then speculates. The coach who robs the World Cup of three top personalities (Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer) and a historic captain (Harry Maguire). But not Jordan Pickford, still firmly in front of the English cages. In the match against Argentina, the Everton goalkeeper, who became the most capped player in history Three lions At the World Championships he will (again) experience the biggest test of his life. Just like in 2018. With the confidence of a leader and the doubts that Jordan Pickford will always have no matter what he does.
Let’s summarize. His World Championship is a reflection of his career. Paradoxical. If England are still hanging on, it’s because Jordan Pickford saved them from Mexico and the Aztecas. Facing 54 Mexican centers, the British rearguard stood together in the eighth (3-2). Jordan Pickford scored 5 goals throughout the match. 5th best total in the history of the World Championships according to Opta. The irony of the doorman who rarely comes out of the door precisely because of the lack of length (1.85 m) of Courtois (2 m) or speed of Lloris. But who knows how to raise your hand in time, like in the match with Raul Jimenez in the first half (15th place).
He’s not the most stylish goalkeeper to watch, but my goodness is he effective.
The praise came. From his defense, represented by Ezri Konsa: “Having a world class goalkeeper always helps, he played all these matches for a reason.“And the great people in the game:”Those who do not understand him see only his provocations., the fact that he touches his opponents or rolls on the ground, warned his predecessor Joe Hart Athletic. And yet this is its strength. He’s not the most stylish goalkeeper to watch, but my goodness is he effective. We can trust him.“
But for his World Cup to be anything like it, Pickford must also reignite criticism. From the very beginning, Croatian Martina Baturina’s rocket penetrated his glove (1-1, 36th place). This conversion then interfered with the muscular exchange between Thomas Tuchel and his goalkeeper after a clearance was completely missed. “Do what I told you– ordered the German, completing the garland.
“I just can’t imagine England winning the World Cup with Jordan Pickford.“, and then released former striker Troy Deeney after England’s 4-2 win over Croatia and before they faced Ghana (0-0). Pickford also came very close to the ball with serious consequences against the Black Cats. But his nasty outing at the feet of Prince Adu ended with only a free kick that could easily have gone red.
Five major competitions with England: two finals, two semi-finals
Then Brian Sipenga surprised him at his near post during the England v Democratic Republic of the Congo round of 16. Pickford also did not calm down in the match with Norway in the quarter-finals. His hand crossed under Andreas Schjelderup’s surprise strike did the job and his nervousness weighed on England, who would have managed without a few avoidable corners.
However, neither Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace) nor James Trafford (Manchester City) will be under any illusions when Thomas Tuchel announces the title winner against Messi’s Argentina. Jordan Pickford will be there. As in 2018, in the semi-finals. Just like at Euro 2021, with two penalties in the final against Italy. At the 2022 World Championships. And at Euro 2024.
At 32, Jordan Pickford is still Jordan Pickford. IN “a little older, a little wiser” that in 2018, in his own words, on the eve of his new semi-final. Not once, at Tuesday’s press conference, was he questioned about his less successful moves. Proof that after 90 tackles, two World Cup semi-finals and two Euro finals, England makes him feel good. And there are fewer and fewer doubts.
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