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Troy Deeney Claims Jordon Pickford Will Cost at England World Cup
The first glimpses of England at the 2026 World Cup were pretty impressive. After all, the Three Lions put four goals past Croatia in their opening match of the tournament.
Up top, Harry Kane looks ready to carry his blistering Bayern Munich form onto the international stage as he scored two goals. Jude Bellingham stepped up with a fine solo effort, and even Noni Madueke looked bright on the wing, winning a penalty before being replaced by Bukayo Saka, who set up fellow substitute Marcus Rashford for England’s fourth.
There will be some question marks over the defence, with Marc Guehi questionably dropped. He watched on as Thomas Tuchel’s men conceded twice in the first half and looked a little shaky early on, before steadying the ship as the game went on.
Overall, though, it was a fine win, and most would be content with what they saw. Pundit Troy Deeney, however, believes one man could go on to cost England a shot at World Cup glory this summer.
Troy Deeney Unhappy With England Player For Role in Croatia Goal
Speaking after the game on CBS Sports, Deeney – who never won a cap for England at youth or senior level – expressed concerns over Jordan Pickford. He was asked if the goalkeeper was too chaotic, replying (via Metro):
“To say the least, yeah. I don’t really know the stats and all of that. I’m just saying what my eyes told me.
“I still think he should have saved the first one [Croatia goal], that’s my opinion. I think when you get a hand to it, it’s got to be a solid hand and keep it out.
“There’s just that feeling when I watch Jordan…there’s a shot from 50 yards and it trickles to him and he’s screaming at everyone, ‘Do your job! Don’t let any shots come in!’
Every time he parries one, fouls someone, does whatever, he’s like, ‘Don’t look at me!’”
Deeney Questions England’s World Cup Chances With Pickford
Pickford has now played 85 times for the Three Lions, and his outing against Croatia was the third consecutive World Cup he has started as the nation’s number one. In that time, he’s also played in two European Championship finals with England.
Despite that wealth of experience, Deeney believes the Everton star doesn’t have the quality to get Tuchel’s men across the line this summer. He said:
“We’re trying to win a World Cup. That’s why we’re here. In my opinion, and respectfully Jordan, because you know I like you. We can’t win it with that guy in goal. He doesn’t give you any confidence.”
It seems odd for Deeney to suggest Pickford doesn’t give his defenders any confidence when he’s been the country’s number one for so long now, taking the job under Gareth Southgate and retaining his spot under Tuchel. What’s more, the goalkeeper went an English record of 10 matches without conceding a goal across games in 2024 and 2025, so it seems unlikely that he’ll be dropped any time soon.
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Man Utd Get Green Light to Sign Crysencio Summerville From His Agent
Manchester United have been given the green light to complete a deal for West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville, as further details emerge from journalist Shaun Irvine.
Man United‘s main focus in this summer transfer window has been on ensuring they have a strong midfield ahead of their return to the Champions League next season, with that area of the pitch the one that needed the most work.
With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte expected to go too following an underwhelming two-year spell at Old Trafford, Kobbie Mainoo would be left as one of the only specialist senior players in central midfield.
Captain Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount can play there if needed, but they are much better suited to playing further forward in the No.10 position.
United have already bolstered the position with one completed deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who will seal his move to Old Trafford once he returns from the 2026 World Cup with Brazil.
The Red Devils are now pursuing West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes as they look to add another player to their engine room, while some reports have suggested they could even bring in a third midfielder too.
United are looking at other positions on the pitch too, including in attack.
Summerville’s Agent Gives Green Light to Man United
GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed all summer that United are looking to add a left-sided attacker to their squad this summer, and a move is likely to ramp up should Marcus Rashford complete a switch away from Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have been linked with players such as Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao in recent weeks, with Michael Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox known to be big fans of the former in particular.
However, a new name has emerged recently in Mateus Fernandes’ West Ham teammate Summerville.
Like Fernandes, the Netherlands international is said to have no intention of playing in the Championship after the Irons were relegated, with the player reportedly valued at £50m by the east London outfit.
According to Irvine, posting on X, the World Cup star’s agent has given the green light to United to complete a move, with personal terms being no issue.
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Man United Could Seal £120m Double Deal
The Telegraph have reported that United are ready to launch a £120m double transfer raid on West Ham to land two of their top summer targets.
With the Irons valuing their Portuguese star at between £80-85m and Summerville at £50m, it seems unlikely that a bid of £120m would be accepted by the Hammers, who are determined to remain strong on their valuation, unless it included a significant amount upfront.
Fernandes’ quality has been there for all to see at West Ham and Southampton in the last two seasons, and the thought of him linking up with compatriot Bruno at Old Trafford is mouthwatering.
Meanwhile, Summerville has often played from the left for the Irons, but he showcased his versatility by scoring a fine goal from the right for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
Sports
FIFA to Pay Compensation After Ismael Kone’s Horrific Injury For Canada
Canada’s 6-0 demolition of Qatar at the World Cup was overshadowed by a horror injury for Ismael Kone, who suffered a serious leg break early in the second half in Vancouver.
Jesse Marsch’s side ran riot on the pitch, but all the post-match talk centred on the midfielder, who was stretchered off after a poor challenge from Assim Madibo. The Qatar defender was sent off following a VAR review and later apologised to Kone in the dressing room.
Marsch later admitted that those close enough “could hear the bone snap,” adding that “everybody’s shaken for him.”
World Cup Pundit Slams Jesse Marsch’s ‘Ridiculous’ Antics After Canada 6-0 Qatar
Marsch’s behaviour has caused a huge stir.
Iamael Kone’s Surgery and Recovery Timeline
Canada confirmed Kone has already undergone successful surgery to repair a lower limb fracture and is expected to make a full recovery. Marsch revealed the procedure took around an hour and a half and was carried out by three top surgeons, praising the medical team for giving him confidence the situation was being handled properly.
No firm return date has been set, but the former Watford man is expected to be sidelined for up to a year.
US Fans Think They’re Going ‘Win World Cup’ With Ace Who Was ‘Electric’ vs Australia
He was vital in the US victory.
It’s worth noting that quick recoveries from leg breaks aren’t unheard of in football. Francesco Totti famously fractured his fibula in February of 2006, only months before that summer’s World Cup, yet defied expectations to recover in time to play a role in Italy’s triumphant run to glory in Germany.
FIFA to pay Compensation to Ismael Kone’s Club
According to The Mirror, FIFA will pay compensation to Kone’s club, Sassuolo, under the Club Protection Programme. The scheme covers accidental injuries sustained while players are on international duty, provided the absence runs beyond 28 days, though illnesses aren’t included.
Kone’s fixed salary is reported to be £22,600 per week, working out at roughly £3,200 per day. With the first 28 days excluded and Kone facing around 150 days out, Sassuolo are likely to receive close to £480,000 in compensation.
The Serie A club issued their own statement, confirming the operation on his left leg was a complete success and that his rehabilitation would begin in the coming days, wishing him a speedy recovery.
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Canada will be looking to seal their qualification to the knockout stage, albeit without Kone, when they face Switzerland in Vancouver on the 24th of June.
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Man Utd Target ‘Best Striker in the World’ Victor Osimhen
Manchester United are now eyeing a move to sign a forward described as the ‘best striker in the world’, according to a report from Caught Offside.
The main focus for United over the last few weeks in the transfer window has been on targeting new midfielders.
A deal has reportedly been agreed to bring Atalanta midfielder Ederson to Old Trafford, with United set to pay in the region of £38m.
West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes is also a priority target, with some at the club believing that they will complete a deal to secure his signature.
Once United have solved their midfield situation, they could move on to strengthening in other areas of the pitch, including in attack.
After Fernandes: Man Utd Open Talks to Sign ‘One of Europe’s Best Young Midfielders’
Man Utd are working on multiple midfield deals.
Man Utd Eyeing Striker Transfer Move
According to a report from Caught Offside, Manchester United are interested in signing Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window.
Osimhen is described as a dream target for the Red Devils, but there are doubts over whether they will be able to complete a deal.
The 27-year-old, described as the best striker in the world, would cost a huge transfer fee, making him a difficult option for the Manchester club.
United do have other names on their shortlist as they look to bring in a new centre forward, but Osimhen does appear to be a priority if they can get a deal over the line.
The Nigerian forward is currently plying his trade with Galatasaray, where he scored 15 goals in the league and seven in the Champions League last season.
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Man Utd Need Experienced Striker
Bringing in a striker of Osimhen’s calibre and experience would be a smart move for Manchester United in the summer transfer window.
At 27, Osimhen is in his prime years, and he could be the ideal player for Benjamin Sesko to learn from and develop alongside.
The Slovenian forward didn’t cement himself as a guaranteed starter for United last season, and considering he’s still young, he could do with an experienced player alongside him.
If United can somehow get a deal over the line for Osimhen for a reasonable fee, it would be a phenomenal coup for the Red Devils.
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