“Joe Hart is arrogant and making far too many mistakes,” Roy Keane remarked ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier with Montenegro in 2013.
“I’d have dropped him six months ago.” At the time, this comment was dismissed as just another candid put-down by the former Manchester United captain.
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Pickford has come under criticism for his recent performances
Never one to hold back with a scathing assessment, his thoughts concerning the Manchester City goalkeeper were filed away under ‘harsh’ and few gave it much thought.
This was a player who had won the Premier League two seasons earlier, claimed his third successive Golden Gloves award and started as England’s first choice in the last two major tournaments.
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These days, Hart finds himself on the bench at Burnley, Boxing Day was his last appearance for the Clarets, a 5-1 drubbing at home to Everton.
Prior to that, there had been loan spells at Torino and West Ham. He was unceremoniously dumped by Pep Guardiola, disliked for a supposed inability to play with his feet and replaced with Claudio Bravo.
In hindsight the prophecy of mystic Keane carried more weight then we were initially led to believe.
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Hart has not played for Burnley since Boxing day
Fast forward six years and England will face Montenegro again, away, on Monday in a Euro 2020 qualifier after a clash with Czech Republic – both live on talkSPORT.
The situation with Hart shares similarities to the one Pickford finds himself in or thereabouts. Thankfully, this time Keane has yet to be reached for his opinion.
Against Newcastle, earlier this month, the best and worst of Pickford was on display. A rugby tackle on Salomon Rondon would have received plaudits had it taken place in the Six Nations. A yellow or red card failed to materialise.
Pickford then inevitably saved Matt Ritchie’s subsequent spot-kick. Taunts from the St James’ crowed reigned down upon him, his time with Sunderland ensued this was a given. Revelling in his role as the pantomime villain, the 25-year-old took it all in his stride.
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Pickford was poor against Newcastle but this done little to dent his confidence
His celebrations were exuberant, Pickford was pumped. He poked his tongue out too.
Later in the same game, he should have kept out Rondon’s shot and then parried the ball right back into the path of Ayoze Perez. Everton lost 3-2. Even as he made his way down the tunnel, the abuse continued, Pickford, chest puffed out, simply waved and winked back, his confidence still intact, his concentration questioned.
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There are six live commentaries across the talkSPORT network this week. Find out what they are and where to hear them, below...
- England vs Czech Republic (Friday) – talkSPORT
- Walsall vs Barnsley (Saturday) – talkSPORT 2
- Shrewsbury vs Portsmouth (Saturday) – talkSPORT 2
- Gibraltar vs Republic of Ireland (Saturday) – talkSPORT 2
- San Marino vs Scotland (Sunday) – talkSPORT 2
- Netherlands vs Germany (Sunday) – talkSPORT 2
Alan Shearer described Pickford’s behaviour as “ridiculous and bizarre.”
The attitude of Pickford is reminiscent of Hart’s. The latter allowed himself to be overtaken with a sense of the occasion, he yelled and beat his chest in the tunnel, whipping himself into a frenzy prior to England’s matches at Euro 2016. A perceived ego and unwavering self-belief only magnify mistakes.
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Pickford was one of England’s heroes at the World Cup
His summer exploits at the World Cup with England, have led some to suggest complacency has become Pickford’s downfall.
The hero in a penalty-shootout win over Colombia, was followed with a man-of-the-match showing in the quarter-finals against Sweden.
England progressed, a nation dreamed and Pickford could do little wrong.
Returning to Finch Farm for pre-season, Pickford’s profile was enhanced, Chelsea were keen, their advances rebuffed. His Place in Marco Silva’s side never under threat. Maarten Stekelenburg, now 36, has not played in the Premier League for two seasons. Joao Virginia is 19, promising, but not yet ready. Pickford has no challengers at club level and it is showing.
This season, he has made the most errors leading directly to a goal (7), two more than Asmir Begovic and Martin Dubravka.
After 30 league games last season he had not made a single one.
The mistake that led to Divock Origi scoring in the 96th minute of the Merseyside derby was catastrophic.
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Pickford must use Hart’s downfall as an example
Gareth Southgate regards Pickford highly and he should start both matches, beginning with Czech Republic on Friday.
Tom Heaton, who has ironically replaced Hart at Burnley, has been excellent since returning from a shoulder injury.
While he is a credible candidate to step up and play for his country, Pickford is unlikely to be ousted, he has never let Southgate down and in truth, nor England.
Despite his gurning and willingness to engage with provocation, Pickford is still a brilliant goalkeeper. A great shot-stopper and distributor, its important he recaptures the form that helped him join Everton, before starring in Russia.
Hart’s fall from grace was swift and unexpected, Pickford will do well to learn from his predecessor.
Joe Hart (Burnley) The former Manchester City goalkeeper's fall from grace has been well documented. A poor showing at Euro 2016, Hart returned to City, only to discover he was not trusted by manager Pep Guardiola for a perceived inability to play from the back with his feet.
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