The blame game has begun over England's World Cup exit as Thomas Tuchel's team exit at the semi-final stage again after losing 2-1 to Argentina on Wednesday night
Jordan Pickford in tears
Jordan Pickford was left devastated after England's World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina(Image: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock)
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Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has pointed the finger of blame at England's Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after the Three Lions' World Cup exit. Jude Bellingham also appeared to be unhappy with Pickford on Wednesday night.
Thomas Tuchel's team saw their dreams of another major trophy go up in smoke after losing 2-1 to Argentina. Former Toffees star Anthony Gordon put Tuchel's men in front in the second half to have England dreaming of a first men's World Cup final since their 1966 victory.
However, late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez saw the holders come from behind to set up a final with European champions Spain on Sunday. England will now have to settle for a third-placed playoff on Saturday night against France. It will end what has been a memorable tournament for Tuchel's side.
And Carragher has now had his say on how England's campaign in North America ended. He believes Pickford should have done better for Fernandez's equaliser.
Writing in his column for The Telegraph, he said: "Pickford should still have saved Enzo Fernández’s shot." His comments come after Bellingham appeared to angrily exclaim: "it's the middle of the goal," during the match in Atlanta.
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Pundit Gary Neville also swiftly criticised the Everton shot-stopper. Speaking on the Stick to Football World Cup Watch Party, the former Manchester United and Three Lions defender said: "Not gone in the corner, that. He's got to save that, got to save it. He's past it."
Neville also pulled up Pickford for failing to catch a shot earlier in the contest, saying: "Don't let him shoot from there. Got to catch that. It's straight at him. Honestly, it's going over as well."
Neville's former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane, however, chose to credit Fernandez. He said: "What a strike, what a strike that is. 'Keeper gets nowhere near it, look at the 'keeper, he's nowhere near it. It's the power."
While Pickford has come in for criticism, Carragher has laid the blame mostly on Tuchel's door. The 48-year-old said: "As the game evolved heading towards its climax, it was obvious Tuchel had to act. Argentina were piling on the pressure without creating too many chances.
Jamie Carragher working as a Sky Sports pundit
Jamie Carragher has not held back in his view on England's World Cup exit after the defeat to Argentina(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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"The changes should have focused on personnel. The team’s set-up did not demand such radical attention. Once England went to five at the back, it backfired. The incessant shift towards Jordan Pickford’s goal became too much.
"Within a matter of seconds, it was clear Tuchel had made the wrong call. England retreated and camped on the edge of their penalty area, inviting trouble.
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"Playing with wing-backs meant Argentina could get more crosses into the penalty area and maintain a momentum which had already started to build without it being anywhere near as dangerous as it subsequently was."