Everton keeper Jordan Pickford redeems himself as media react to England's win over Croatia
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a rather mixed bag as England saw off Croatia in their World Cup opener.
Pickford remains England's undisputed number one for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 32-year-old won his 85th senior international cap in Wednesday night's contest at AT&T Stadium.
Everton favourite Pickford twice had to pick the ball out of his net in the first half, but England did enough to win the Group L clash 4-2.
Pickford was far from his best, but he was praised for one second-half moment in particular.
Goodison News looks at what the English media had to say about the keeper's overall performance in Arlington.
Jordan Pickford 'twitchy' in England win vs Croatia
Pickford made three saves against Croatia, including from a Mario Pasalic strike when England were 3-2 up.
That save redeemed Pickford in many ways after an uncharacteristically below-par showing in the first half.
He was beaten too easily for Croatia's opener through Martin Baturina's strike and just looked slightly nervous, which is surprising given his experience.
The i gave Pickford a 5/10 rating and wrote: "So often England’s big performer, there have to be question marks over him for Martin Baturina’s leveller and the Petar Musa goal. Looked uncharacteristically ruffled playing out from the back, too."
The Independent gave Pickford the same rating and added: "Will be disappointed to have let Martin Baturina’s fierce strike slip through his grasp. England looked to beat Croatia’s press through him. A half-time tweak helped but Pickford remained a little twitchy."
Pickford was given a seven by The Metro, with the review reading: "There may be an argument for Pickford getting his body in the way of Croatia’s second equaliser, a stunning volleyed effort by Musa, but it would be a harsh one.
"After Bellingham made it 3-2, Pickford produced a fine stop to keep out Marco Pasalic’s dangerous bending effort."
This was very much the general consensus, with Sky Sports giving a seven and writing: "Got a hand to Baturina's first equaliser, but the power of the strike was too much for the 'keeper, while he was helpless to prevent Musa from levelling again just before the break.
"Important stop to keep out Pasalic's drive with a quarter of an hour to go when England led 3-2."
What do the numbers say about Pickford's display vs Croatia?
The reviews continued along a similar theme, with The Guardian describing Pickford as "shaky".
But it also has to be pointed out that Pickford's defence did very little to help him in the first half.
The former Sunderland stopper also produced a fine save in the second period just when England needed him.
The stats do not lie, though, and Pickford registered a goals prevented figure of -1.49.
His two catches and three saves work in his favour, but this was ultimately a display from Pickford we are not used to seeing - particularly for England.
There was no damage done, however, and Pickford will retain his place for the rest of the tournament.