Newcastle United cup finalist fires brutal dig at former Sunderland star before England opener

Former Newcastle United midfielder Dietmar Hamman believes England will fail to win a trophy while Jordan Pickford remains in goal.

Gareth Southgate’s men kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on Sunday, aiming to go one better after losing the final on penalties three years ago. The Three Lions boss is managing his fourth major tournament, with many expecting him to step down regardless of England’s performance this summer.

Sunderland academy product Pickford has been Southgate’s undisputed No.1 between the sticks for most of his eight-year reign in the dugout. The Everton goalkeeper has earned 61 caps since making his international bow in 2017.

While he has overcome criticism in recent years, Pickford received plaudits for his performances last season. The 30-year-old kept 13 clean sheets in 2023-24 - the fourth-highest across the Premier League despite Everton’s well-documented difficulties.

He has always been respected at international level, with Pickford playing a crucial part in England’s successes under Southgate. However, World Cup runner-up Hamman, who was an FA Cup finalist with Newcastle in 1999, is not a fan.

“My worry would be Pickford,” told the In The Zone podcast when discussing England’s chances. “He’s a good keeper but I think his temperament lets him down at times. In a tournament where you might play seven games, there will be setbacks. 

“You need a keeper who calms his teammates down. I think Pickford does the opposite and this is where I’ve got my worries and question marks. I don’t think England will win a big title with Pickford.”