Troy Deeney Says England Cannot Win 2026 FIFA World Cup With Jordan Pickford in Goal

Troy Deeney, the former Premier League and Watford striker, has publicly questioned England’s ability to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, placing the blame squarely on starting goalkeeper Jordan Pickford following the Three Lions’ opening group-stage fixture.

Speaking in his capacity as a pundit on CBS Sports, Deeney offered a frank assessment of Pickford’s display during England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia — a result that marked Thomas Tuchel’s side’s first competitive outing at the tournament. Despite the positive scoreline, it was Pickford’s display between the sticks that drew the sharpest scrutiny.

The Everton goalkeeper conceded twice in the contest, and Deeney was unequivocal in his belief that Pickford could have done more to prevent Croatia’s opening goal. “I still think he should have saved the first one. That’s my opinion. I think when you get a hand to it, it’s got to be a solid hand and keep it out,” Deeney said.

Beyond the technical shortcomings, Deeney raised concerns about how Pickford’s emotional reactions on the pitch affect team morale. The former striker suggested the goalkeeper’s visible frustrations, rather than instilling confidence in his defenders, may in fact have the opposite effect. “There’s just that feeling when I watch Jordan. There’s a shot from 50 yards and it trickles to him and he’s screaming at everyone, ‘Do your job! Don’t let any shots come in!'” Deeney added.

He further pointed to Pickford’s tendency to deflect blame following errors or difficult moments during matches. “Every time he parries one, fouls someone, does whatever, he’s like, ‘Don’t look at me!'” Deeney noted, reinforcing his concern about the goalkeeper’s impact on team dynamics.

Despite expressing personal respect for Pickford, Deeney ultimately delivered an unambiguous conclusion. “We’re trying to win a World Cup. That’s why we’re here. In my opinion, and respectfully, Jordan, because you know I like you, we can’t win it with that guy in goal. He doesn’t give you any confidence,” he said.

Pickford has been England’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for a number of years, featuring prominently in their run to the final of UEFA Euro 2020 — where they were defeated by Italy on penalties — as well as their semi-final appearances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024. His longevity in the role, however, has periodically been accompanied by questions over his consistency and composure at the highest level.

England’s next group-stage fixture will provide Tuchel’s squad with an opportunity to address the concerns raised, both in terms of results and individual performances. Deeney’s comments are likely to intensify the debate around whether an alternative goalkeeper option should be considered should Pickford’s form continue to attract criticism throughout the tournament.