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Jordan Pickford and England endured an abysmal opening 70 minutes against Ghana in their Group L clash at the 2026 World Cup.
As ever, the Three Lions have delivered a truly shocking performance in the aftermath of playing high-quality football; and that's how the England faithful will know an international tournament is here.
Up against a deep defensive block masterminded by Carlos Queiroz, Ghana appeared to be in on goal shortly prior to the second half's hydration break, causing a classic Pickford blunder.
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Should Jordan Pickford have been sent off vs Ghana?
After a first half which saw England fail to get a single shot out of six on target, their opposition threatened to break the deadlock in the second.
Ghana forward Prince Kwabena Adu was slipped in on goal, leading to a collision with England's man between the sticks, Pickford.
Despite the Ghana attacker failing to get the ball, neither did Pickford, clattering into his man on the edge of the area.
Queiroz went mad, as did the Ghana faithful, but, perhaps shockingly, the referee gave the call in England's favour.
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While Pickford probably shouldn't have been sent off for the incident, if red cards were given for sheer clownery, he would be gone.
The Everton shot-stopper seemingly pulled out of a challenge, but used his body to obstruct the onrushing forward.
As a result, the opportunity for Ghana was entirely squandered, however, if Prince had gotten the ball, it would be a different story.
Still, the question being posed as such a large talking point is a damning indictment on England's pitfiul performance.
The event would never have occurred, or caused such controversy, had the Three Lions done their job in the preceding minutes.
Shortly before the 80th, inexperience on the world stage prevented Ghana from taking the lead, after a one-on-one was fluffed through heavy touches and a hilarious Antoine Semenyo clearance.
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