Jordan Pickford benched as Fabio Capello critiques England keeper
- Jordan Pickford was benched for a Nations League match against Finland after a disappointing performance against Greece.
- Former England manager Fabio Capello has criticized Pickford, suggesting he can be both a reliable player and a potential problem for the team.
- The decision to bench Pickford was part of interim coach Lee Carsley's strategy to assess other players and seek improvement after a recent defeat.
In England, former national team manager Fabio Capello has expressed his concerns regarding goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's performance. Despite being a key player for the team, Pickford has faced criticism, particularly after a disappointing showing in a recent match against Greece, which ended in a 2-1 defeat. Following this loss, interim coach Lee Carsley opted to bench Pickford for the subsequent Nations League match against Finland, allowing Dean Henderson to take his place. Capello's earlier remarks highlighted his mixed feelings about Pickford, noting that while he can be exceptional, he sometimes poses challenges for the team. He specifically referenced Pickford's tendency to play long balls under pressure, which can create uncertainty among defenders. Capello's comments have reignited discussions about the goalkeeper's reliability as England prepares for future competitions, including Euro 2024. The decision to bench Pickford appears to be part of a broader strategy to assess other players and seek a reaction from the squad after the recent defeat.