Emmanuel Petit 'surprised' by Jordan Pickford antics in England win vs Mexico
Emmanuel Petit has made his feelings clear on Everton star Jordan Pickford after his England heroics.
The 32-year-old has long been the Three Lions' number one and has rarely put a foot wrong.
That hasn't stopped negative reviews from flooding in after the opening four games of the World Cup.
Despite conceding just three goals in that time, there was massive frustration aimed in the keeper's direction.
That was largely due to DR Congo's opener, where the Toffees man should have kept out Brian Cipenga's strike.
The narrative has now flipped once again after England's win over Mexico, with Petit getting involved with the positivity.
Emmanuel Petit makes bold Jordan Pickford claim after England vs Mexico heroics
There is no better way to silence the doubters than putting in a stunning performance.
That is exactly what the shot-stopper did as his side travelled for a high-pressure clash at the Azteca Stadium.
The heat, altitude and atmosphere were supposed to throw Thomas Tuchel's side off, but it didn't.
Pickford was stellar in between the sticks, making three saves to help seal a 3-2 win and a place in the quarter finals.
His level of performance took many off guard after the negativity earlier in the tournament.
Petit was one who felt that as he told talkSPORT's How To Win The World Cup podcast on Tuesday, but believes the Everton man could be a major difference-maker for the Three Lions.
He said: "I was kind of surprised, in a good way, with Pickford. If he can repeat that kind of display until the end, then I think England have a strong chance to win the World Cup. Pickford, for me, made some great saves."
That sort of comment from the Arsenal legend certainly speaks volumes of just how good the keeper is and can be.
Troy Deeney will surely be watching on and eating his words as Pickford proved him wrong on a historic day for England.
Gabby Agbonlahor defends Everton star Pickford once again
It is great to see the ex-Sunderland man finally picking up the positive reviews that he deserves.
Petit saying what he has will mean a lot, especially as a World Cup winner himself.
That only takes away from Deeney after he suggested that England will never win anything from Pickford.
Gabby Agbonlahor wasn't having those comments before and after Petit spoke out, the former Aston Villa man has only echoed his sentiment.
Also speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "People just start jumping on bandwagons. Jordan Pickford, at times, the ball comes back to him and he looks nervy, but [he's a] fantastic goalkeeper and he's never let his club or country down. Let's not look for things that aren't there."
It is great to see the public opinion change so quickly as the Everton man continues to prove just how good he can be.