Didi Hamann claims England will not be able to win any major tournament with 30-year-old star in the team
Football pundit Dietmar Hamann has claimed that England will not be able to win any major tournament with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford between the sticks. The former Liverpool and Germany midfielder insisted that while the Everton keeper was a decent shotstopper, he lacked temperament which let his team down.
The former Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder highlighted the importance of a calm keeper in major tournaments. As per Hamann, Pickford does not fit the bill and is the exact opposite.
While discussing England's chances in the Euro 2024, Hamann said, as quoted by The Mirror:
“My worry would be Jordan Pickford. 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."
Jordan Pickford has been Gareth Southgate's go-to choice between the sticks since making his England debut in November 2017. He has started as the goalkeeper in all of the Three Lions' 19 games in major tournaments since and is expected to be the number one for a fourth major tournament in a row.
The 30-year-old has been capped 61 times for his country so far and has kept 29 clean sheets while allowing 45 goals. He enjoyed a fantastic season with Everton last time out, picking up 13 clean sheets, only bettered by Arsenal's David Raya (14).
Alongside Pickford, Southgate has named Crystal Palace's Dean Henderson and Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale in his squad for the Euros. The decision to snub Jack Butland despite his phenomenal season with the Rangers raised many eyebrows.
Four players named by Gareth Southgate in England’s new ‘leadership group’
England manager Gareth Southgate has named his new-look leadership group for Euro 2024, which is headed by skipper Harry Kane. Experienced Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has also been named in the leadership group, alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.
Gareth Southgate has named a relatively inexperienced squad for the Euros with 12 players playing the first major tournament in their career. Experienced players like Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire and Raheem Sterling have all been overlooked.
Hence, Southgate has named a new leadership group to whom he will turn for advice during the tournament. The Three Lions are set to begin their Euro 2024 campaign on Sunday, June 16, against Serbia.