Gary Neville has taken aim at Jordan Pickford as the Manchester United legend seemed to blame the Everton goalkeeper’s mistake for Denmark being awarded a penalty against England.
Pickford once again started in goal for England after watching last Thursday’s friendly win over Wales from the bench.
Much was made of Pickford’s form for Everton ahead of the international break with the goalkeeper being at fault for a number of goals the Blues have conceded so far this season.
The former Sunderland man was at fault for Brighton’s first goal at Goodison Park before the international break, with his mistake coming just weeks after he made two errors against Fleetwood Town in the League Cup.
While the pressure on the stopper was further increased on transfer deadline day after the Blues signed Roma goalkeeper Robin Olsen on loan for the remainder of the season.
And although the Blues number one impressed against Belgium on Sunday, he was once again in the firing line on Wednesday night.
After rushing out of his goal, Pickford bumped into team-mate Kyle Walker, who in return panicked and kicked the foot of Thomas Delaney, sending the Dane tumbling inside the box.
After a slight hesitation from referee Jesus Gil Manzano, a penalty was awarded, and while Neville acknowledges it was soft, he was critical of Pickford’s role in the incident. Although there was some confusion as to why the referee ultimately decided to point to the spot.
He told Sky Sports : “It’s a mess. I’m not sure what Pickford is doing, why is he there?
“He comes out and smothers his defender when his defender is dealing with it. Not sure it’s a penalty at all, to be honest with you, I can’t see anything.
“The composure was lost by Harry Maguire a few minutes ago and then Pickford just creates panic.”
The spotkick was coolly converted by Christian Eriksen on his 100th appearance for his country and came just minutes after Manchester United’s Harry Maguire had been sent off for a second bookable offence.
