Jack Butland has dismissed Troy Deeney's criticism of Jordan Pickford, calling the suggestion that England cannot win the World Cup with the Everton goalkeeper as 'nonsense'. The Rangers goalkeeper, himself an England international, defended Pickford after Deeney questioned his credentials on CBS Sports.
Deeney's Comments Spark Debate
Speaking as a pundit on CBS Sports, 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.'
Deeney's remarks came after Pickford earned his 46th clean sheet in his 86th appearance for England during the 0-0 draw with Ghana. The 32-year-old was perhaps fortunate to win a free-kick for a clumsy collision outside the box with Prince Adu, an incident that could have seen him sent off.
Butland's Defence
Butland, who won nine caps before Pickford's emergence, backed the Everton star on talkSPORT's World Cup Breakfast show. He said: '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's Tournament Record
Butland's defence is vindicated by England's tournament record with Pickford in goal. Pickford has been pivotal in runs to two Euros finals and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. His consistency has made him England's undisputed number one for nearly a decade.
