Troy Deeney says England won't win the World Cup with one player despite Croatia win

Troy Deeney has claimed England will not win the World Cup with Jordan Pickford as their first-choice goalkeeper despite Thomas Tuchel's side making a winning start against Croatia.

The Three Lions kicked off their Group L campaign with a dramatic 4-2 victory in Texas on Wednesday night, recovering from twice being pegged back to secure all three points.

Harry Kane scored twice for England, while Jude Bellingham and substitute Marcus Rashford also found the net after Tuchel's half-time intervention inspired a much-improved display following the restart.

Pickford earned his 85th England cap and remained Tuchel's trusted option between the posts, having established himself as the national team's undisputed No 1 under former manager Gareth Southgate.

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The Everton goalkeeper has often produced impressive performances for England at major tournaments since making his debut in 2017.

However, former Watford and Birmingham City striker Deeney remains unconvinced by the 32-year-old and believes he is a weakness that could ultimately prevent England lifting the trophy.

Speaking on CBS Sports, Deeney was asked whether he considered Pickford too unpredictable.

"To say the least, yeah," he replied.

"I don't really know the stats and all of that. I'm just saying what my eyes told me.

"I still think he should have saved the first one, that's my opinion.

"I think when you get a hand to it, it's got to be a solid hand and keep it out."

Deeney also questioned Pickford's behaviour on the pitch, suggesting the goalkeeper does little to reassure those playing in front of him.

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He added: "There's just that feeling when I watch Jordan... there's a shot from 50 yards and it trickles to him and he's screaming at everyone, 'Do your job! Don't let any shots come in!'"

"Every time he parries one, fouls someone, does whatever, he's like, 'Don't look at me!'"

The former Premier League forward then delivered his most damning verdict.

"We're trying to win a World Cup. That's why we're here.

"In my opinion, and respectfully Jordan, because you know I like you.

"We can't win it with that guy in goal.

"He doesn't give you any confidence."

Pickford endured a frustrating evening against Croatia as Martin Baturina and Petar Musa both found a way past him during a chaotic first half.

Yet England's attacking players ensured the mistakes proved costly for Zlatko Dalic's side.

Kane converted a retaken penalty before heading home from a Declan Rice corner, while Bellingham restored England's lead shortly after half-time and Rashford wrapped up victory with five minutes remaining.

England now face Ghana in their second group match knowing another win would put them in a commanding position to qualify for the knockout stages.

After that, they'll lock horns with Panama on Saturday, June 27.

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