Pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright criticized England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's performance during the team's World Cup quarter-final match against Norway, particularly focusing on his role in conceding the opening goal.
"He has to save that. Does he pull his arm away?" Neville stated during halftime analysis on ITV, referring to Andreas Schjeldrup's shot that found the top corner. Wright agreed, suggesting Pickford's stature played a role. "Absolutely a taller 'keeper would save that," Wright commented, adding that Pickford "got his angles wrong" and called his attempt to save the ball "poor."
Wright emphasized the importance of making contact with a shot in the vicinity. "You have to put your hand on that," he said. "You can't take your hand away."
Pickford was granted a reprieve before halftime when Jude Bellingham scored an equalizer. However, in the 54th minute, Pickford was involved in another critical play. He initially saved a forceful attack from the corner flag, but the ball spilled for Torbjorn Heggem to score. This goal was subsequently disallowed after VAR review determined Erling Haaland had pushed Elliott Anderson in the build-up, leading to the goal being chalked off and a free-kick being retaken.
The match took place in Miami, with the first half seeing Norway take the lead, putting pressure on the England team. The publication date for the notes was July 11, 2026.