Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has come under fire from some supporters, claiming he could have done better with Enzo Fernandez's equaliser for Argentina
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has come under fire for Enzo Fernandez's equaliser in England's World Cup defeat to Argentina.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has come under fire for Enzo Fernandez's equaliser in England's World Cup defeat to Argentina.
View 2 Images
Former England defender Glen Johnson disagrees with those attempting to appropriate blame on Jordan Pickford for Enzo Fernández's equaliser for Argentina against England last night.
The Three Lions took the lead through former Toffee Anthony Gordon after a solid first-half performance, but capitulated in the second half, dropping deep and inviting pressure from Argentina.
England were heading into the final few minutes of the game with one foot in their first World Cup final since 1966, but Fernandez's equaliser in the 85th minute gave the defending champions a lifeline.
The Chelsea midfielder had just fired England a warning shot from the edge of the box, with Pickford forced to tip a long-range effort over the bar.
Lionel Messi's short corner was worked to Fernandez 20 yards out from goal, who curled a shot beyond the outstretched Pickford.
England were hanging on for dear life following Thomas Tuchel's defensive substitutions, and Argentina made them pay for it with Lautaro Martinez heading into the back of the net from just a few yards out in the 92nd minute.
*FOLLOW OUR EVERTON FC FACEBOOK PAGE!Latest EFC news and analysis from via the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated FB page*
English hearts were broken, and Pickford, who pulled off several crucial saves throughout the tie, was left distraught at the final whistle.
Debate has raged online, with some claiming Pickford should have done better with Fernandez's strike, while others feel the blame lies elsewhere.
In an exclusive interview with the ECHO, Johnson, speaking via William Hill, felt that England were sat far too deep and had no pressure on the ball.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera inside of the goal.) Enzo Fernandez #24 of Argentina scores his team's first goal past Jordan Pickford #1 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
"No, it was a great strike by Fernandez," Johnson said when asked if he felt it was right to out some of the blame on Pickford's shoulders.
"You drop so deep and invite pressure, England had a few warning signs before the goal with Pickford making a great save from a header and then Argentina also hit the post.
"This was a great strike and also the time he had with no pressure on the ball. England needed to be higher up the field, so the outfield players should have been higher up the field which may well have meant Fernandez couldn't get the shot away in the first place or the shot being blocked.
"But to have so much time on the ball to pick your spot. He's a top player and when you give top players that time, they can find the back of the net."