England's late collapse into their own area would have been Jordan Pickford's worst nightmare against Argentina
England's goalkeeper #01 Jordan Pickford reacts after Argentina's midfielder #24 Enzo Fernandez scored during the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match between England and Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 15, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Jordan Pickford beats the ground in anger after Enzo Fernandez draws Argentina level in the World Cup semi-final with England in Atlanta
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Jude Bellingham’s reaction to Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser may have made headlines but Jordan Pickford was not to blame for England’s collapse.
The Real Madrid superstar appeared to complain that Fernandez’s effort was in “the middle of the goal” as he watched replays on the big screens in Atlanta, suggesting Pickford was at fault for the goal that brought Argentina to parity.
It was a sickening moment that laid the foundation for the late winner that ended another major tournament in heartbreak for England.
But if anyone was responsible, it was manager Thomas Tuchel. His tactics have rightly come under fire after England ceded momentum and control in the final 20 minutes with an approach that made Pickford’s job tougher.
Despite an A-list of attacking options on the bench, players who could have menaced Argentina as they committed men forward in search of an equaliser, Tuchel opted to sit deep and invite pressure.
He has said this rearguard action started on the pitch and was not part of the plan from England. Even if that is the case, Tuchel had ample time - and warnings - to try something different.
Instead, he appeared to double down on the defensive approach. By bringing on defender after defender he made it inevitable England would sit deeper and deeper, allowing balls into the box in the hope that what became a back five would be able to deal with them.
Those who watch Everton know Pickford has excelled behind solid defences that are savvy at dealing with crosses - it is what made the Blues' backline so formidable even during the worst of the relegation fights. What he does not like, though, is a crowded penalty box and particularly not defenders sitting deep in front of him, blocking his eyeline, failing to get out to the edge of the area and proving more susceptible to late deflections that steer the ball away from his reflexes.
How often have we seen him yell at James Tarkowski to stop sitting on top of him - as happened when he deflected Granit Xhaka’s equaliser past him at Sunderland and gave away the penalty that won the opening game of the season for Leeds United?
When the ball is played to Fernandez by Lionel Messi on the edge of the area, the Chelsea midfielder has time to wind up his effort and there are no fewer than seven white shirts between Pickford and the penalty spot.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Enzo Fernandez of Argentina celebrates scores their first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, United States. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Eight of England's 10 outfield players were in the crowded box when Enzo Fernandez's superb shot flashed past Jordan Pickford to bring Argentina level in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final in Atlanta(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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But there is no-one between the penalty spot and Fernandez, providing him with around 10 yards of space. Pickford, closer to his near post because he had been preparing for a Messi cross, had to fight to gain a sightline to the ball.
Fernandez - who was given the freedom for a sighter that was saved by the Everton No.1 just before the goal - had time and space to set himself and unleash a vicious goal-bound strike.
It isn’t in the corner, but a lot has gone wrong before it passes Pickford’s out-stretched arm.
Aside from the equaliser, the switch to wing-backs also hurt Pickford. It opened up the pockets of space for the world’s best player to exploit and the quality of balls into the England box was supreme.
Alexis Mac Allister and Fernandez have shown everyone how well they can meet a ball through their efforts in the Premier League and at no point did England look capable of either stopping the late surge of crosses, nor dealing with them.
Pickford was sensational at coming out and claiming the ball against Mexico but with bodies dropping onto his toes as England went further backwards, he was not afforded quite the same freedom to patrol his box in the latter stages.
He made several good stops on Wednesday night and, while he had tough moments in the World Cup, the prolonging of England’s wait for glory is not on him.
Tuchel’s tactics, or his failure to stem the England retreat on top of Pickford while allowing greater opportunity for Messi to deliver teasing crosses into the box, made a difficult job almost impossible for England’s number one.