Joe Hart has criticized Jordan Pickford after England’s poor performance against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, claiming the goalkeeper should have done better to prevent an opener in their 2026 World Cup clash.
The former England goalkeeper analyzed the incident during half-time coverage on BBC One, highlighting his view that it was a serious technical error on Pickford’s part that allowed the Democratic Republic of the Congo to take an unexpected lead.
Joe Hart explains why Jordan Pickford had to save the Democratic Republic of Congo goal
Hearts, with a goal broken at half-time, concentrated on Pickford’s body positioning and footwork before the shot was taken.
According to the former Manchester City goalkeeper, Pickford’s weight was already shifting in the wrong direction and he was unable to generate enough force to make the save.
“His weight is tipped slightly to the left,” Hart said on BBC One.
“He’s confident, he’s got a good angle and he’s set. Shipenga is dragging the finish to Pickford’s right. So what he has to do now is get his right foot out from under him and push in with his left foot (to the save).”
According to Hart, this momentary imbalance robbed Pickford of the explosive power he needed to deflect the ball safely away from the net, and his defensive effort looked pitifully weak.
“When he extends his right hand, he doesn’t have the strength to touch and the ball bounces off his hand,” Hart added critically.
“He doesn’t have the power or the timing to get it.”
England’s World Cup record when trailing at half-time is against them
England’s task in the second half is made all the more difficult by history.
The Three Lions have never won a World Cup match after falling behind at half-time.
In the past nine games in which England went into the break behind, they have recorded just two draws and seven defeats (D2, L7).
With their hopes of qualifying for the tournament hanging in the balance, Thomas Tuchel’s side will need to produce a result they have never achieved before if they are to avoid a shock result and keep their World Cup campaign on track.
