Jordan Pickford delivered a masterclass in England's 3-2 World Cup last-16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, exorcising the ghosts of Diego Maradona's 1986 handball and silencing his critics. The Everton goalkeeper produced a performance that cements his status as a national treasure, according to Christopher Beesley.
Pickford's Heroics End 40-Year Azteca Curse
Over 40 years after Maradona's infamous handball and subsequent 'goal of the century' dumped England out of the 1986 World Cup, Pickford inspired a win at the same venue. Unlike Peter Shilton, who was beaten by Maradona's cheating, Pickford emerged triumphant against the competition co-hosts, who had lost just twice in 89 previous competitive matches at the Azteca and hadn't conceded a goal in the entire finals before this fixture.
Pickford equalled Shilton's England record of 17 World Cup appearances and is set to surpass it in the quarter-final against Norway. Despite conceding twice, he could not be blamed for either goal, and his shot-stopping and command of the box were crucial.
Petty Prejudice Must End
Beesley argues that the persistent criticism of Pickford, often based on baseless body shaming over the length of his limbs, is an embarrassment. Both Neville Southall and the late Kevin Campbell described it as "a witch hunt." Pickford's display in such a high-pressure environment should finally put an end to the pettiness.
"Jordan Pickford went into that game under serious scrutiny. To deliver a performance like that, in that arena, under that much pressure, tells you so much about why he is England's undisputed #1," wrote colleague Joe Thomas on X. "Several important saves and the way he commanded his box was crucial to that win."
Goalkeeping Masterclass Under Pressure
Pickford made athletic saves to deny Raul Jimenez twice, an old foe from the Premier League. But his most impressive work came in commanding his penalty area, an element of his game often highlighted as a weakness. He dealt assertively with crosses and produced superb punching to help England withstand pressure, especially after Jarell Quansah's sending off reduced the Three Lions to 10 men.
"Flying high at altitude, he came out to deal with crosses in an assertive manner and facing a nation that produced boxing greats like Julio Cesar Chavez plus Salvador Sanchez, Pickford's superb punching helped deliver the knockout blow to the home side," Beesley noted.
National Treasure Status Achieved
Whatever happens in the remainder of the tournament, Beesley insists Pickford should now be elevated to his true position of national treasure. The chance of glory still awaits, but his performance against Mexico has proven his worth beyond doubt.
