Troy Deeney says England can't win World Cup with Jordan Pickford as keeper
Troy Deeney, former Watford captain, told CBS Sports that England cannot win the World Cup with Jordan Pickford as first-choice goalkeeper. He said Pickford’s performance, particularly his handling of Croatia’s opening goal in the 4-2 victory on Wednesday night, does not inspire confidence. Pickford earned his 85th cap for the Three Lions in that match, extending his tenure under Gareth Southgate and now Thomas Tuchel.
Deeney’s comments matter because goalkeeper reliability is crucial for England’s World Cup hopes. Fans and analysts often debate whether Pickford is the best option, especially after high‑profile mistakes. His critique adds to the pressure on the manager to justify the starter ahead of the tournament.
Should you trust Deeney’s view or the manager’s choice? Consider whether a single goalkeeper’s errors can decide a tournament, weigh alternatives like Aaron Ramsdale or Nick Pope, and reflect on how public scrutiny affects team morale before a major competition.
Ultimately, the discussion underscores how individual player assessment can shape national team expectations.