Former England defender Glen Johnson has defended Jordan Pickford after criticism over Enzo Fernandez's equaliser in England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. Johnson argued that the blame lies with England's defensive approach, not the Everton goalkeeper.
England's collapse from the front
England took the lead through former Everton winger Anthony Gordon after a strong first-half performance. However, they dropped deep in the second half, inviting pressure from Argentina. Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in the 92nd minute, ending England's hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.
Speaking exclusively to the Liverpool Echo via William Hill, Johnson said: "No, it was a great strike by Fernandez. You drop so deep and invite pressure, England had a few warning signs before the goal with Pickford making a great save from a header and then Argentina also hit the post."
Pickford's performance under scrutiny
Pickford made several crucial saves during the match but faced criticism for Fernandez's goal. Johnson highlighted that England's outfield players gave Fernandez too much time and space. "This was a great strike and also the time he had with no pressure on the ball. England needed to be higher up the field, so the outfield players should have been higher up the field which may well have meant Fernandez couldn't get the shot away in the first place or the shot being blocked," Johnson added.
Argentina's quality decisive
Johnson emphasised that top players like Fernandez will punish such defensive lapses. "But to have so much time on the ball to pick your spot. He's a top player and when you give top players that time, they can find the back of the net," he said. England's defensive substitutions by manager Thomas Tuchel failed to stem the tide, and Argentina's relentless pressure paid off in stoppage time.
