Fabio Capello has raised concerns about the quality of England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and central defenders ahead of Euro 2024. While acknowledging England’s strengths in midfield and attack, Capello highlighted weaknesses at the back, citing the team’s tendency to freeze during crucial matches. He specifically questioned Pickford’s decision-making and referred to the Euro 2020 final against Italy, where England’s goalkeeper often opted for long clearances rather than playing with confidence.
Capello admitted that England would be among the favorites for this summer’s tournament and praised them for having the best attack in the world. However, he said they were in danger of being undone by weaknesses at the back.
“I like England,” he said. “It’s really strong in every part of the team, their midfielders and forwards the best: Bellingham, Kane, Saka.”
“I think at centre back [there’s] some problems and it’s not the same level as the other part of the team. Midfield is good, forwards are really good, right and left defenders is good. I have some doubts about these two centre backs and some doubts about the goalkeeper.”
Capello also expressed concerns about England’s tendency to play with fear in big matches, pointing to their semi-final defeat in the 2018 World Cup against Croatia and their loss to Italy in the final of Euro 2020.
“The last game that they played I liked – fight, pressing. But the problem is when they arrive at the moment to win they play with fear sometimes.”
