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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Harry Latham-Coyle

Roy Keane hits out at Jordan Pickford for England mistake: ‘Not a good message’

The FA via Getty Images

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Roy Keane has criticised Jordan Pickford after the goalkeeper almost made a costly error in England’s defeat to Greece.

The hosts were beaten 2-1 at Wembley after a chaotic and at-times careless performance, with Vangelis Pavlidis striking twice to give the visitors an emotional victory.

The Greeks had a number of other opportunities to swell their tally as Lee Carsley’s side struggled for balance and defensive solidity.

Pickford almost handed the visitors an opener nine minutes in to the encounter, losing control of the ball after venturing outside of his box and granting Anastasios Bakasetas a shot on an open goal.

Only a remarkable goalline clearance from Levi Colwill saved Pickford, and former Manchester United midfielder Keane was scathing in his assessment of England’s long-time first-choice goalkeeper afterwards.

“What’s he doing?” ITV pundit Keane asked. “Do it quickly. [It’s] brilliant defending, very unlucky by Greece but a lovely message for defenders - never give it up. He chased it and did brilliant. But [it’s] not a good message from Pickford to send.

“That [sort of mistake] will always be there with Pickford. He’s not going to change now.”

Jude Bellingham appeared to have snatched England a point with a fine strike late on before Pavlidis’s stoppage-time winner.

Defeat dented the hosts’ hopes of topping their Nations League group, with an unbeaten Greece now three points clear.

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