Manchester United legend Roy Keane came for the head of one England player on international duty as some fans speculate whether a change of guard is on the cards
Roy Keane working for ITV
Roy Keane didn't hold back in his critique of England No. 1 Jordan Pickford last year
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Roy Keane didn't hold back in his critique of England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford 12 months ago - and he has certainly been made to eat his own words. The Three Lions travel to Latvia on Tuesday in the latest leg of their World Cup qualifying campaign, where victory would cement their spot in next year's tournament.
Thomas Tuchel has overseen a fairly seamless conquest to date, with England winning five from five and yet to even concede a goal. But things didn't look so rosy 12 months ago when fans witnessed Pickford at his shakiest in a 2-1 defeat at home to Greece.
That Wembley loss back in October 2024 saw Chelsea defender Levi Colwill bail his keeper out at one point with a goal line clearance. And Pickford was fortunate the margin wasn't wider as Greece saw a couple of goals disallowed, leading Keane to demand more of the Toffees talisman.
"It sends a message about concentration levels, and that spreads throughout the team," said the Manchester United icon on ITV in response to the incident that led to Colwill's clearance. "Again there's a lack of urgency.
"What's he [Pickford] doing?! Do it quickly. Brilliant defending, very unlucky by Greece, but a lovely message for defenders - never give it up. He [Colwill] chased it and did brilliant. But not a good message from Pickford to send."
Fellow pundit Ian Wright responded by pointing out Pickford's left something to be desired. The Arsenal icon commented the goalkeeper looked "all over the place" and was "very jittery" in his work.
And Keane used the opportunity to underline his point that the stopper is too set in his ways to get such inconsistencies out of his performances: "That will always be there with Pickford. He's not going to change now."
Well, maybe things have changed, Mr Keane. Pickford now finds himself on the verge of earning his 80th cap if he features in Riga.
England's goalkeeper #01 Jordan Pickford reacts to their defeat on the pitch after the UEFA Nations League, League B - Group 2, football match between England and Greece at Wembley
Everton's Pickford was off his best as the Three Lions fell at home to Greece in a major upset
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Pickford started between the posts in Thursday's 3-0 friendly win over Wales. In doing so, he became the first England goalkeeper to keep eight consecutive clean sheets, with the defensive record looking particularly imperious under Tuchel's reign.
The Three Lions did suffer a shock 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal back in June. However, Dean Henderson, who was part of the Crystal Palace side Everton upset just prior to the international break, was in goal for that result.
One year on from the devastating upset at home to Greece, all the questions have been answered on whether Pickford is the right man for England No. 1. And Keane has been put back in his box, at least for now.
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