Neville and Wright slam Pickford after freak Schjelderup cross beats England keeper

Jordan Pickford was roundly criticised by the punditry panel at half-time after Andreas Schjelderup’s speculative cross-shot crept in off the post to hand Norway a 1-0 lead over England in their 2026 World Cup quarter-final in Miami, with the sides level at 1-1 heading into the break.

Schjelderup’s effort appeared to be a back-post delivery intended for Erling Haaland rather than a deliberate attempt on goal, making Pickford’s failure to keep it out all the more damaging in the eyes of the pundits.

Gary Neville was unsparing in his assessment. “That can’t go in the net from there,” he said. “Jordan Pickford is not going to want to see that again. It is a cross, but he has to save it.”

Ian Wright echoed the sentiment, arguing that Pickford had no excuse for not getting a hand to the ball. “You have to put your hand on that. You can’t take your hand away. If a ball is coming in your vicinity and you have the opportunity to touch it… you have to.”

Roy Keane added that Pickford should be “disappointed” with himself, particularly given the scale of the occasion. The Everton goalkeeper is now the most-capped England player of all time at a World Cup, making the lapse a notable blemish on an otherwise landmark afternoon.

The goal came against the run of play in a match that had been largely even in sweltering conditions — a 44°C real-feel temperature in Miami making life difficult for both sides. Norway had threatened through Haaland in the opening minutes, while Harry Kane blazed a free-kick over the bar around the half-hour mark. A loose ball in the six-yard box also caused a brief scare before Pickford gathered.

Norway might have doubled their lead before the interval had Alexander Sorloth taken better decisions during a two-on-one breakaway.

England were rescued by Jude Bellingham, who produced a composed finish in the 46th minute to level affairs. Kane almost put the Three Lions ahead moments later with an intelligent chip, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Both sides will resume knowing a place in the semi-finals is at stake, with England needing a stronger second-half performance to avoid an early exit from a tournament in which they overcame Mexico at the Azteca in the previous round.