Alan Shearer, the former England captain and football pundit, has publicly advised that if Thomas Tuchel takes over as England’s new head coach, he should consider replacing Jordan Pickford as the national team’s primary goalkeeper. Shearer, known for his forthright opinions, believes that Pickford’s inconsistency and temperament on the pitch make him a liability in high-stakes matches.
### Shearer’s Concerns About Pickford
Shearer’s concerns stem from Pickford’s performances at both club and international levels. The Everton goalkeeper has been a mainstay for England in recent years, particularly standing out for his shot-stopping ability in penalty shootouts, as seen in the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020. However, Shearer has consistently questioned Pickford’s reliability outside of those moments, citing his inconsistent handling, decision-making, and emotional responses during games.
In his commentary, Shearer has pointed to specific instances where Pickford’s on-field demeanor appeared to distract him from his duties. His tendency to engage with fans and allow his emotions to get the better of him has, in Shearer’s opinion, hindered his ability to stay focused. In crucial matches, such as England’s Euro final loss to Italy, Shearer noted that Pickford’s concentration seemed to wane, which he believes is indicative of a larger issue with the Everton goalkeeper’s game【41†source】.
### Pickford’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Pickford has proven his mettle in penalty shootouts, a skill that has garnered him respect among fans and teammates. His ability to save crucial penalties has often been a bright spot for England, and his clean-sheet record in major tournaments is one of the best among English goalkeepers. Shearer acknowledges these strengths but argues that, overall, Pickford’s highs do not compensate for his occasional lapses in judgment.
Shearer has also highlighted Pickford’s distribution and kicking as inconsistent. Although Pickford has shown the ability to launch long passes and build play from the back, Shearer feels that his execution is not reliable enough for the international stage, where opponents can capitalize on any minor error【43†source】.
### The Potential for a New Goalkeeper Under Tuchel
If Tuchel assumes the role of England manager, Shearer believes it would be an opportunity to explore other goalkeeping options. Shearer has suggested that a goalkeeper with a more composed presence, who can handle pressure without allowing emotions to interfere with their performance, would be a better fit for England.
Several names have been floated as possible alternatives, including Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal and Nick Pope of Newcastle United. Ramsdale has earned a reputation for his shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box, while Pope has been lauded for his consistent performances and physical presence. Both have shown potential to challenge Pickford for the number one spot, and Shearer has implied that either could provide the stability that Pickford currently lacks【42†source】.
### A Call for a Fresh Approach
Shearer’s call for Tuchel to drop Pickford reflects a broader conversation within English football about the need for change in the national team setup. While Pickford has been a loyal servant for England, Shearer and others believe that with Tuchel potentially taking over, it could be the right time to assess all positions and make necessary adjustments. This includes the goalkeeping role, which is critical to England’s success as they prepare for upcoming international tournaments.
Shearer’s critiques are rooted in his desire to see England succeed on the international stage. He has expressed a belief that Tuchel’s tactical approach could benefit from having a goalkeeper who complements a more structured and composed defensive strategy. If Tuchel does take the reins, Shearer hopes that the former Chelsea manager will consider all options and ultimately make decisions that align with a winning strategy for England.
### Looking Forward
As speculation continues over Tuchel’s potential appointment, Shearer’s comments underscore the expectations that come with managing the England national team. Should Tuchel take charge, he will face high expectations to improve England’s chances in major tournaments. Reassessing the goalkeeping situation is just one of the many decisions Tuchel would need to address.
With Shearer’s advice in mind, the pressure on Pickford could intensify if Tuchel decides to reevaluate the role. England supporters, pundits, and former players alike will be watching closely to see if a new approach to the squad could be the key to achieving success on the international stage once again.
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