Keith Hackett rages at ‘nonsense’ Jordan Pickford incident vs Serbia, wants IFAB to intervene
Jordan Pickford’s minor injury scare was cause for Keith Hackett to rage at IFAB.
England had already qualified for the World Cup ahead of their clash with Serbia, though that didn’t stop Thomas Tuchel from naming a strong squad at Wembley.
Without having too many shots to save, Pickford has had a busy night in goal, with hopes of preserving his impeccable clean sheet record at international level.
However, aside from having plenty of crosses to claim, the Everton star was also involved in a minor injury scare that left Keith Hackett furious.
Jordan Pickford injury sparks rest break for England
Pickford wasn’t expected to start for England given how little was at stake, though Tuchel opted to utilise him anyway.
Not long into the game, the Everton goalkeeper went down holding his leg, with medics and physios forced to enter the field of play, halting the game.
In the end, Pickford got up without any real concern and never actually received any treatment from the physios, though the break allowed his teammates to get some additional instructions from Tuchel, much to the annoyance of Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, the former PGMOL chief said: “When is the nonsense of tactical stoppages going to be dealt with by IFAB?
“Pickford sits on the ground rubbing his calf. The game is stopped by the referee, and on come the Physio and medic who offer no treatment to Pickford
“The clearly manufactured stoppage allows all the remaining England team to go to the touchline and receive instructions from Thomas Tuchel.“
David Moyes will be furious with Thomas Tuchel
Pickford certainly seems as though he will be okay, though that is far from the point.
From England’s perspective, this is a dead-rubber game, and for David Moyes to have one of his key players featuring yet again will frustrate him.
There is always an increased risk of injury when games are coming thick and fast, with the festive period nearly upon us.
Moyes needs his players to return unscathed, and this constant exposure to football is only going to hinder that.
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