Shearer does not believe Pickford has reached his usual high standards - but thinks he might know why
Alan Shearer and Jordan Pickford
Alan Shearer and Jordan Pickford
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Alan Shearer believes Jordan Pickford has not been “his normal self” at the World Cup - but thinks that might be down to Thomas Tuchel.
The England manager has played around with his back four in the tournament. The changes have coincided with a lack of solidity in the defence, with Democratic Republic of Congo the latest to expose England’s frailty on Wednesday.
It was a lapse at the back that allowed Brian Cipenga to give DR Congo an early lead in the last 32, a goal that put England on the brink of elimination until a late comeback win inspired by Harry Kane. Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa also hit the post in the first half, a considerable let-off for England.
Pickford was beaten at his near post for Cipenga’s goal and his wider performances have been under scrutiny as a result. For Shearer the 32-year-old, who has 87 international caps and has led England to the finals of the Euros twice, has not reached the standards he has set at previous tournaments.
The former England striker does, however, believe that might be the result of Tuchel’s tinkering with the defence in front of him.
Ahead of the last 16 game with Mexico on Monday morning, Shearer told Betfair: “The manager's got decisions to make in terms of does he stick with Djed Spence because you lose a little bit of quality down the right-hand side or does he put Konsa in there and then play John Stones at centre half? But again, that's shifting things around and moving and I don't know whether it's confusing or not, but that's moving the players around again, which I don't think has been ideal. I do think the back four looks shaky. I do think Pickford hasn't looked his normal self as well.
“I guess because of the chopping and changing of the back four, I don't think that has helped Pickford. But he certainly hasn't looked as assured and his kicking hasn't been as good as it normally is.
“I think he would tell himself because of his very high standards for England that he would expect to keep that goal out the other day that DR Congo scored. Perhaps it's because of the chopping and changing in the back four that has played a part in his lesser performances so far at this tournament.”
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