Alan Shearer delivers damming Jordan Pickford verdict as Everton star called out
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was in World Cup action for England against DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium
Alan Shearer believes Jordan Pickford should have saved Brian Cipenga's DR Congo goal against England. Thomas Tuchel’s side got off to the worst possible start at Atlanta Stadium when Cipenga opened the scoring after just seven minutes.
Djed Spence was first caught out by a ball over the top before Cipenga controlled it and beat Pickford at his near post with a low drive. But former Newcastle United forward Shearer believes the Everton goalkeeper should not be beaten at his near post the way he was.
“You can see the shock on the England players' and fans' faces - this is not what they expected,” he said on BBC commentary.
“Cipenga has no other thought but to get the shot away. England are all over the place, Spence comes in with the tackle but can't get there, and Pickford gets done at his near post. For a keeper of his quality, he shouldn't be beaten there.”
However, Harry Kane’s second-half brace saved England from World Cup humiliation and set up a mouth-watering clash with co-hosts Mexico on Monday.
“It feel amazing to be honest, what a crazy game against a tough team, organised team," the England captain said. "After that first hydration break, I thought we upped the level. Their keeper made some amazing saves.
“It was about... keep pounding the rock. Just keep pounding the rock. We spoke about how you can have hero moments, it can be any one of us. It could be Pickers [Pickford] making a save. For me, it was today.
“When you get to knockout football, the pressure is higher, the risk is higher. From an attackong point of view, it was probably our best game of the tournament so far.
“It’s just about getting through; this one and the next one are difficult for different reasons.”
Before the forward added: “Still things to work on. These rounds are about going through. This one and the next one, the next one, away in Mexico – against Mexico – we have to grind wins out.
“I told the boys to enjoy [full time]; sometimes as an England player, games you’re expected to win, you don’t celebrate as you should.
“We’re the same as every other nation, we’re through, but enjoy it – we’re at the World Cup.
“We’re fighting for every moment and little margin. I want the boys to enjoy it, enjoy the moment with the fans, and we go again in four days.
“We spoke after the Croatia game, the subs making an impact, keeping the level higher. Over 90 minutes we’re tough to handle. Pleased for everyone involved, let’s keep it going.”
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