Jordan Pickford has been cleared of blame for England's World Cup semi-final defeat by the majority of ECHO readers, despite criticism from teammate Jude Bellingham and pundits including Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher. The Everton goalkeeper produced a string of second-half saves to keep England in the match against Argentina, but his efforts were overshadowed by the 2-1 loss, with the winning goal scored by Lautaro Martinez in the 92nd minute.
Pickford's Performance Under Scrutiny
The debate centers on Enzo Fernandez's 85th-minute equalizer for Argentina. Bellingham and pundits like Carragher suggested Pickford should have saved the shot, despite a crowded penalty area. However, Everton correspondent Joe Thomas argued that England manager Thomas Tuchel was more at fault for his in-game management after Anthony Gordon's opening goal in the 55th minute. Pickford had also conceded goals earlier in the tournament against DR Congo and Norway, but those were widely considered difficult saves.
Fan Verdict: Pickford Not to Blame
In an ECHO reader poll, 68% of respondents said Pickford was not to blame for the semi-final defeat, while 32% believed he was. This indicates strong support for the goalkeeper, who has been instrumental in keeping Everton in the Premier League and has now played in two World Cup semi-finals and two major tournament finals for England.
Pickford will take time off before returning to Everton for the new Premier League season. He leaves the World Cup as England's all-time record appearance holder at the finals with 19 caps, having earned 91 caps overall.
