Alan Shearer scapegoats Everton's Jordan Pickford in England vs DR Congo - history explains why

Alan Shearer blamed Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for England conceding early to DR Congo in their World Cup Round of 32 clash on Wednesday.

Despite being big favourites to win the game in Atlanta, Brian Cipenga opened the scoring for DR Congo in the seventh minute after the Three Lions found themselves completely at sea at the back.

Cipenga, who plays for Spanish club UD Almeria, took advantage of England's messy rearguard to fire home past Pickford's near post.

England's entire backline shifted too far to the side of the pitch the ball was in, leaving Cipenga completely unmarked before he was picked out by Chancel Mbemba.

He then rifled home past Pickford, who was beaten at his near post.

And that drew tough criticism from Shearer.

What the Newcastle legend said about Everton’s No.1

Shearer was clearly angry with the manner in which England conceded to DR Congo.

Thomas Tuchel's defence lost all organisation and concentration, which allowed Cipenga to get as much room as he had.

However, it was Everton goalkeeper Pickford who found himself in Shearer's crosshairs when he reacted to the goal.

"Look at how open England are, defensively," said Shearer on BBC One after the goal went in.

"Pickford gets done at his near post. They're all over the place, England.

"[Djed] Spence comes in to try and make the tackle and doesn't get there. But Pickford, I think, should do better at that near post.

"He shouldn't be beaten there as a goalkeeper of his quality."

Pickford, however, wasn't the only player in the wrong for DR Congo's first-half goal, and there might be a reason why Shearer singled him out.

Is this why Shearer ignored the real issue?

It might not be a coincedence for some that Newcastle legend Shearer was quick to point the finger at former Sunderland goalkeeper Pickford.

That theory certainly wasn't lost on Sunderland fans on social media during the game

While Pickford could have done better, the goalkeeper is England's last line of defence - what were the 10 players in front of him playing at before he had a shot to deal with?

Spence was the main one.

He completely left the DR Congo forward and came in as far as the penalty spot despite being the Three Lions' right-back.

The whole back-four shift over so far that it inexplicitly exposed half of the pitch.

That's a cardinal sin for defences and Shearer failed to point that out, instead going for the easy target - the ex-Sunderland goalkeeper.