Fabio Capello insists Jordan Pickford is a ‘problem’ for England and suggests the Everton stopper’s fear of the ball could leave the Three Lions vulnerable at major international tournaments

Fabio Capello has said that England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is ‘a problem’ and that the national team are vulnerable because of ‘fear’ when they reach international tournaments.

The former England manager, who left two years after the team’s disastrous 2010 World Cup, declared at the Laureus Awards in Madrid that Pickford was sometimes afraid to play the ball out to his defenders, pumping it long and handing possession back to opponents.

‘There are some problems with the keeper,’ he said. ‘It’s good sometimes. Sometimes he’s really, really good. I saw the game that they lost against Italy – the (European Championships) final at Wembley (in 2021). After 20 minutes, he started to shoot long ball.’

He suggested that reflected a fear of the ball in Pickford, who felt: ‘I prefer the ball is on the other side and not close to me.’

This affected the rest of the team, Capello added. ‘When you have a really good goalkeeper it is another thing. Confidence,’ he said.

Jordan Pickford has remained largely unchallenged as England’s No 1 under Gareth Southgate

Of England’s defence, Capello said: ‘I think the centre back have some problems and it’s not the same level as the other part of the team. Midfield is good, forwards is really good. Right and left defenders is good. I have some doubts about these two centre backs and some doubts about the goalkeeper.

‘I like England. Their midfielders and forwards are the best (Jude) Bellingham, (Harry) Kane, (Bukayo) Saka. But the problem is when they arrive at the moment to win, they play with fear sometimes.’

Asked if he thought Southgate was doing a good job, Capello said: ‘It’s not my question. You have to ask the board. I finished my contract with the English football federation, not because of problems but because of John Terry. 

Capello refused to say whether Gareth Southgate was doing a good job as England manager

This time is different. It’s about results. My problem was leadership because the federation decided that John Terry was guilty and for me he was not guilty and that was it for me.’

The 25th Laureus World Sports Awards took place on Monday 22 April in Madrid, celebrating the leading names in sport from across the globe. To find out more, visit www.laureus.com