Roy Keane was hugely critical of one member of the England squad during a previous international break, but the star in question has since proved the pundit wrong
ITV Sport pundit Roy Keane during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Andorra at Villa Park
Roy Keane previously tore Jordan Pickford apart for his performance in a defeat to Greece last year
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Roy Keane didn't mince his words when criticising England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford 12 months ago, but he has been forced to swallow his criticism since then. The Three Lions head to Latvia on Tuesday for the next stage of their World Cup qualifying journey, where a win would secure their place in North America next year.
Thomas Tuchel has overseen a smooth passage thus far, with England claiming victory in all five matches and keeping a clean sheet in every one. However, the situation appeared far less promising 12 months earlier when supporters witnessed Pickford at his most vulnerable during a 2-1 home defeat to Greece.
That Wembley setback in October 2024 saw Chelsea centre-back Levi Colwill rescue his goalkeeper with a crucial goal-line clearance. Pickford was also fortunate the scoreline wasn't more emphatic as Greece had several strikes ruled out, prompting Keane to call for higher standards from the Everton stalwart.
"It sends a message about concentration levels, and that spreads throughout the team," said the Manchester United legend on ITV following the incident that required Colwill's intervention. "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."
Arsenal legend Ian Wright responded by highlighting Pickford's less-than-stellar performance. He commented that the goalkeeper appeared "all over the place" and was "very jittery" in his work.
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
Pickford has reigned between England's posts for almost a decade and is on the verge of earning his 80th cap
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Keane seized the opportunity to emphasise his belief that the keeper is too set in his ways to eliminate such inconsistencies at this point in his career: "That will always be there with Pickford. He's not going to change now."
However, it seems things may have changed after all. Pickford, 31, is on the brink of earning his 80th cap if he features in Riga on Tuesday evening.
Tuchel appears to have settled on the Everton stopper as his starting keeper of choice since taking over the team at the start of 2025. And it doesn't appear as though Pickford's place is in any immediate danger from his rivals.
The Sunderland-born star was No. 1 in Thursday's 3-0 friendly victory over Wales. In doing so, he became the first England goalkeeper to maintain eight consecutive clean sheets, with the defensive record looking particularly formidable under Tuchel's leadership.
Jordan Pickford of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United
Pickford has looked back to his best under David Moyes of late
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The Three Lions did experience a surprising 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal back in June. However, Dean Henderson, who was part of the Crystal Palace team Everton defeated just before the international break, was the goalkeeper for that match.
Not only that, but Pickford was lauded for his performance in the comeback win at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Several saves in the first half received particular praise for keeping the Toffees in the battle.
A year after the crushing defeat at home to Greece, all questions regarding whether Pickford is the right choice for England's No. 1 shirt appear to have been answered. And Keane has been silenced, at least for the time being.