Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith heaped praise on goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's performance in England's win over Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Three Lions faced off against El Tri in the Round of 16 of the tournament on Sunday (July 5). The former took a 2-0 advantage courtesy of a three-minute blitz from star midfielder Jude Bellingham (36', 38').
Mexico fought back through Julian Quinones (42') but conceded a penalty that was duly converted by England captain Harry Kane (60'). Although Jarell Quansah's red card (64') and a penalty conceded by Kane that was scored by Raul Jimenez (69') made things tricky for Thomas Tuchel's side, they held on to win 3-2.
In a game that was filled with end-to-end action and goals, Pickford played a crucial role in securing the victory for his side. His reflexes and bravery were on full display as he made three crucial saves and punched five crosses out of the danger area (stats via FotMob).
Speaking on Sky Sports, Smith lavished praise on the 32-year-old shotstopper. The 45-year-old, who played for Premier League sides Leeds United, Manchester United and Newcastle United, said:
"Of course you want your goalkeeper to be very sound... He (Pickford) didn't put a foot wrong last night, that early save from (Raul) Jimenez down to his left, so sharp. Then, it was that decisionmaking that was the most impressive, coming through a clutch of players and getting two fists to it. Yeah, he was absolutely superb. A keeper like that gives the defenders so much confidence."
Pickford has started and played every minute in England's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign thus far, keeping two clean sheets in five games.
"The best England result I've experienced" - Star midfielder Declan Rice makes claim after 3-2 win vs Mexico at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Star midfielder Declan Rice claimed that England's 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was the best international result of his career thus far.
Since December 2025, Rice has been struggling with a neural problem affecting his lower back and hamstring. Despite concerns about his fitness, he started and played the full 90 minutes against El Tri and played an important role in his side's victory.
Speaking to BBC about the 'incredible night', the 27-year-old, who plays for Arsenal at club level, said (via GOAL):
"I think that's probably the best England result I've experienced, probably the best away day I've ever had. (It was) everything I expected and it was just an incredible night."
After the hard-fought victory over Mexico, England have earned themselves a FIFA World Cup quarter-final date with Erling Haaland's Norway (Saturday, July 11).