'I do not know': Paul Merson shocked by £30m player who's reportedly tempted to join Tottenham

By Sam Preston

Paul Merson has criticised England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his role in France’s first goal on Saturday night.

Aurélien Tchouaméni made it 1-0 after 17 minutes of the World Cup quarter-final as the reigning champions won 2-1.

Pickford could be tempted by the chance to leave Everton, with Tottenham interested, journalist Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport.

He said: “Pickford is in line for the Golden Glove at this World Cup and could be tempted to make a move to a better performing club than Everton. Tottenham are interested.”

Merson on Pickford

Merson told Sky Sports that £30 million man Pickford should have been further off his line for that opening goal, claiming: “I don’t know a goalkeeper who doesn’t save France’s first goal.

“Why Jordan Pickford was on his goal line when the ball was 25, 30 yards out I do not know.

“If Pickford was on the edge of his six-yard box, he probably catches Aurelien Tchouameni’s shot.”

Down the years, we have seen plenty of outfield players pass judgement on goalkeepers without knowing the position in depth.

But legendary stopper Peter Schmeichel was also unimpressed by Pickford on that first goal, as he told beIN SPORTS (10/12/22 at 9:20 pm).

He said: “I really do think that Pickford should be a little bit further out. This is a long, long way out. I mean you shouldn’t be beaten.

“Even though it goes through the legs of Bellingham. He’s not unsighted. He should be further up.”

It was a brilliant strike and the criticism does feel harsh on Pickford but that is the life of a goalkeeper and small margins cost England on a heartbreaking night.