Fabio Capello has launched a scathing attack on Jordan Pickford for the role he played in England’s World Cup exit at the hands of France.
England suffered yet more penalty heartache as France, the reigning World Cup holders, advanced to the semi-finals on Saturday night. Didier Deschamps’ side claimed a 2-1 win at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Aurelien Tchouameni swept France into a first-half lead from 25 yards before Harry Kane restored parity when he converted from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second-half after Bukayo Saka was brought down inside the box.
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But Olivier Giroud stole in to head France back in front with 12 minutes of the quarter-final tie remaining. However, England were soon offered the perfect chance to reply.
Just minutes after Giroud’s goal, Gareth Southgate’s side were awarded another penalty following a VAR review for a challenge by Lucas Hernandez on Mason Mount. But Kane, having previously sent club team-mate Hugo Lloris the wrong way, fired his penalty over the bar.
And Capello has now moved to criticise the Everton man for his role in England’s last two major tournament exits. Speaking on Sky Sports News, Capello feels Pickford kept making the same mistake by firing long balls up the pitch, instead of playing short.
He said: “I think England was a really good team in this World Cup, I think one of the best. For me, was ready to arrive at the semi-final in the best form.
“But during the game they made some mistakes. Some mistakes by the defending for the goals, for [Olivier] Giroud.
“But the big mistake they made – the keeper [Pickford]. Not for the first goal, [it] probably was a mistake. But during the game he had the ball, he shoot always long ball.
“It was possible to play the ball [short]. In my idea of football, when you can play, you have to play. He [Pickford] made always long ball. The same mistake they made when they played against Italy in the Euros, Wembley.
“After they are winning, England started to shoot long balls – not play. The goalkeeper, I don’t understand why? Probably all the players were angry.”
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