Former German international Dietmar Hamann levied criticism at both Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice ahead of England’s group stage clash against Serbia
England won’t win a big title with Jordan Pickford in goal, according to Dietmar Hamann.
Pickford, 30, became Gareth Southgate’s number one after making his debut for the Three Lions in November 2017. He has been selected in all 19 games England have played at major tournaments since and is set to be England’s No 1 for a fourth major tournament in a row come Sunday evening.
The consistency of Pickford’s selection is both a sign of Southgate’s loyalty and Pickford’s form at club level. The Toffees star enters this summer’s European Championships off the back of a superb Premier League campaign, which saw Pickford pick up 13 clean sheets, a figure only bettered by Arsenal ’s David Raya.
Even so, Pickford has been singled out by former Liverpool midfielder and German international Hamann, who believes the goalkeeper’s temperament is a liability for Southgate’s England.
“My worry would be Jordan Pickford,” Hamann said speaking on the ‘In The Zone’ podcast.
“He’s a good keeper, but I think his temperament lets him down at times. In a tournament when you might play seven games, there will be setbacks – you need a keeper who calms his teammates down. I think Pickford does the opposite and this is where I’ve got my worries and question marks. I don’t think England win a big title with Pickford.”
Hamann’s comments echo those of Liverpool legend Graeme Souness, who insisted Southgate’s snubbing of Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland was a grave error in the face of selecting Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Crystal Palace ’s Dean Henderson.
“Gareth has also been very loyal to Jordan Pickford, which I can understand, but, for me, there is another goalkeeper who should be going to the tournament,” Souness wrote in a column for the Daily Mail. “ I’ve watched Jack Butland several times playing for Rangers this season and he is the best English goalkeeper around. I’m surprised he hasn’t earned a place.”
Pickford was not the only England star to find himself in Hamann’s crosshairs, with Arsenal midfield Declan Rice also the subject of criticism.
Rice is expected to start England’s clash against Serbia, alongside Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham and Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander Arnold.
“People tell me Declan Rice is the best centre midfielder in the Premier League, but I don’t think he’s anywhere near Rodri,” Hamann said.
“And when I watched Declan Rice in the Champions League this season, he was at fault for the first goal against Bayern Munich. He should pick the ball up, that’s his position.
“If Rice actually does his job alongside Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, all he has to do is hoover up. He has to anticipate, win the battles and give the ball back to his teammates.”
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