Roy Keane hits out at Jordan Pickford for England mistake: ‘Not a good message’

Pickford almost made a costly mistake in England’s defeat to Greece

Harry Latham-Coyle
Friday 11 October 2024 09:56 BST
Comments
Jordan Pickford almost cost England in their Nations League defeat to Greece
Jordan Pickford almost cost England in their Nations League defeat to Greece (The FA via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Roy Keane has criticised Jordan Pickford after the goalkeeper almost made a costly error in England’s defeat to Greece.

The hosts were beaten 2-1 at Wembley after a chaotic and at-times careless performance, with Vangelis Pavlidis striking twice to give the visitors an emotional victory.

The Greeks had a number of other opportunities to swell their tally as Lee Carsley’s side struggled for balance and defensive solidity.

Pickford almost handed the visitors an opener nine minutes in to the encounter, losing control of the ball after venturing outside of his box and granting Anastasios Bakasetas a shot on an open goal.

Only a remarkable goalline clearance from Levi Colwill saved Pickford, and former Manchester United midfielder Keane was scathing in his assessment of England’s long-time first-choice goalkeeper afterwards.

“What’s he doing?” ITV pundit Keane asked. “Do it quickly. [It’s] brilliant defending, very unlucky by Greece but a lovely message for defenders - never give it up. He chased it and did brilliant. But [it’s] not a good message from Pickford to send.

“That [sort of mistake] will always be there with Pickford. He’s not going to change now.”

Jude Bellingham appeared to have snatched England a point with a fine strike late on before Pavlidis’s stoppage-time winner.

Defeat dented the hosts’ hopes of topping their Nations League group, with an unbeaten Greece now three points clear.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in