Carragher says he would end up fighting Pickford over Everton keeper's antics

28 July 2023 , 11:38

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Jordan Pickford has often been criticised for his behaviour on the pitch (Image: Getty Images)

Jamie Carragher has admitted he would be "boxing" on the pitch with England's Jordan Pickford if they were team-mates in a scathing rant on goalkeepers.

Pickford has often come under fire for his behaviour during matches. The ex-Sunderland shot-stopper has a tendency to shout at his back-line while also winding up opposition fans from time to time.

Pickford has been a mainstay in the Everton side since arriving from Sunderland and produced a fine save on the final day of the season against Bournemouth to keep the Toffees in the Premier League. He has also made 54 appearances for England, starring at Euro 2020 and the most recent World Cup.

Although Carragher has often praised Pickford for his performances, he doesn't particularly like his actions on the pitch. Speaking about criticism of goalkeepers on the latest episode of The Scouse House podcast, the 45-year-old said he could not bear the thought of being team-mates with the England No.1.

"Then goalkeepers coming out screaming and shouting when they have to make a save," he said. "Could you imagine having to play in front of Jordan Pickford?

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"I watch him now for Sky and I’m like honest to god, me and him would just be boxing every game. Get back in goal and shut up! Honest to god!"

It appears Carragher isn't a massive fan of goalkeepers. When asked about the lack of 'keepers from the Liverpool area, he said: "I just think maybe we’re all bullies a little bit - 'who's the soft one? You, get in goal.' It's not even if you're a good lad, it's just like 'oh f*** off, you're going in goal'. It is, isn't it?"

Jamie Carragher has aimed a dig at Pickford over his on-pitch antics (Manchester United via Getty Images)

"He doesn't wanna be there, doesn't wanna play, just wants to be with a few of the big lads, has just got to go in goal and is just gonna get blamed if they get beat."

"I used to hate people saying 'he’s a good shot-stopper’. I’m like ‘oh my god, he’s a good shot-stopper? I f****** hope so!’" Carragher continued.

"That is like the most basic requirement of a goalkeeper. If he’s not good at stopping shots, what is he doing in the goal? Talk about using his feet, communication, catching - whatever. That’s the basics. Which one isn’t a good shot-stopper? Every goalkeeper gets described as a good shot-stopper."

Roy Keane, meanwhile, slammed Pickford back in May after Everton's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. He said: "Pickford, for the goal…my goodness. He looks so small in there. There’s no spring, he’s not anticipating. Micah said before the game he’s a top goalkeeper. He’s not."

Kieran King