Alan Shearer has new theory on Jordan Pickford's England struggles, Everton star not to blame

Alan Shearer does not believe Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is solely to blame for his supposed England struggles at the World Cup.

Pickford was beaten at his near post by Brian Cipenga early on in Wednesday's 2-1 win over DR Congo in the last 32.

The 32-year-old was certainly not helped by some poor defending from his teammates, but he perhaps could have done more to keep out the shot.

Former Sunderland stopper Pickford was also criticised in the 4-2 win over Croatia in England's opening game.

His distribution has regularly come under the spotlight, meanwhile, with Shearer among those to call it out.

However, Shearer believes that Pickford's shakiness is slightly justified by decisions being made around him.

Thomas Tuchel not helping Jordan Pickford for England

England's defence has been anything but stable so far this tournament, even accounting for clean sheets against Ghana and Panama.

England's back four has chopped and changed, not helped by injury problems.

That could continue in the last-16 tie with Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning as Djed Spence is carrying a knock.

John Stones, himself far from 100 per cent, could therefore come in at centre-back as Ezri Konsa moves across to right-back.

It ultimately means more disruption, which Shearer understands is not ideal for a goalkeeper.

"[Declan Rice] and Elliott Anderson in the middle struggled to get around against Congo," Shearer said on The Rest is Football of the wider England issues.

"The gaps between midfield and defence were huge - far too big - and we got punished for it with the first goal and should have been punished again by [Yoane] Wissa's chance.

"So defensively is a huge concern for me. Whether he puts John Stones in and Ezri Konsa at right-back, Stones has hardly played any football. You're then switching things again and there's a confusion and not the understanding you need in the backline.

"I even think Pickford's been impacted by that because he's not looked his normal self. He should have saved that one the other day and his kicking has been poor.

"With the changes [Tuchel's] making, I think he's still searching for the right combinations."

Tuchel can't help injury issues, of course, but this all comes back to the questionable squad selection made for the World Cup.

Could Pickford face new competition upon Everton return?

Pickford is England and Everton's undisputed number one, as has been the case for a number of years now.

David Moyes has zero reason to consider replacing Pickford right now, and hopefully not for a while longer.

But that is not to say some healthy competition will not help him.

Karl Darlow has been linked with Everton this week, with his contract at Leeds United officially up.

Darlow was very good for Leeds last season and would provide far more competition than is currently on the books at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Hopefully Pickford returns in a buoyant mood, rather than on the back of more criticism before England's tournament ends.