Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterJordan Pickford and England endured an abysmal opening 70 minutes against Ghana in their Group L clash at the 2026 World Cup.As ever, the Three Lions have delivered a truly shocking performance in the aftermath of playing high-quality football; and that's how the England faithful will know an international tournament is here.Up against a deep defensive block masterminded by Carlos Queiroz, Ghana appeared to be in on goal shortly prior to the second half's hydration break, causing a classic Pickford blunder.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kShould Jordan Pickford have been sent off vs Ghana?After a first half which saw England fail to get a single shot out of six on target, their opposition threatened to break the deadlock in the second.Ghana forward Prince Kwabena Adu was slipped in on goal, leading to a collision with England's man between the sticks, Pickford. You may like England vs Ghana player ratings: Who stood out? Jordan Pickford on the 2018 World Cup semi-final: 'We just couldn't get the second goal' We want to be the best, so we have to turn negative moments into improvements. France were reigning champions in 2022 and knew how to succeed Jordan Pickford on the crucial fine margins at a major tournament Despite the Ghana attacker failing to get the ball, neither did Pickford, clattering into his man on the edge of the area.Queiroz went mad, as did the Ghana faithful, but, perhaps shockingly, the referee gave the call in England's favour.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.While Pickford probably shouldn't have been sent off for the incident, if red cards were given for sheer clownery, he would be gone.The Everton shot-stopper seemingly pulled out of a challenge, but used his body to obstruct the onrushing forward.As a result, the opportunity for Ghana was entirely squandered, however, if Prince had gotten the ball, it would be a different story.Still, the question being posed as such a large talking point is a damning indictment on England's pitfiul performance.The event would never have occurred, or caused such controversy, had the Three Lions done their job in the preceding minutes.Shortly before the 80th, inexperience on the world stage prevented Ghana from taking the lead, after a one-on-one was fluffed through heavy touches and a hilarious Antoine Semenyo clearance.TOPICSJordan PickfordEnglandKedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
