Time to Pass the Gloves? Is Jordan Pickford's England Career Nearing the End?
England looked set for a place in their first World Cup final since 1966 before everything unravelled late against Argentina.
Enzo Fernandez levelled in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez struck in stoppage time to seal a 2 1 victory, leaving Thomas Tuchel's side to settle for a third place play off.
The defeat also reignited the debate around Jordan Pickford.
Jude Bellingham appeared frustrated after the final whistle, while Roy Keane questioned whether England's long serving number one is still among the world's elite.
It has sparked fresh discussion over whether now is the right time for Pickford to step aside.
A Mixed World Cup
There is no denying Pickford made some important saves throughout the tournament.
He was outstanding against Mexico, produced several fine stops against Argentina and became England's most capped World Cup goalkeeper, overtaking Peter Shilton with his 18th appearance.
But there were also difficult moments.
England conceded avoidable goals against Croatia, DR Congo and Norway, and managed just two clean sheets across the tournament.
Before the competition even began, former striker Troy Deeney questioned whether England could win the World Cup with Pickford between the posts, and those doubts have only grown louder.
England Have Options
Pickford turns 33 next March and, while goalkeepers can enjoy long careers, attention is already turning towards the next generation.
James Trafford continues to be viewed as England's long term successor, Dean Henderson has enjoyed an outstanding season with Crystal Palace, and highly rated youngster James Beadle is another goalkeeper pushing through the ranks after helping England win the Under 21 European Championship.
With Tuchel expected to remain in charge through to Euro 2028, England have the perfect opportunity to begin planning for the future.
Protecting His Legacy
This is not about forgetting what Pickford has achieved.
He has been England's first choice goalkeeper since 2018, played a huge role in reaching major finals and has delivered some of the country's biggest tournament moments.
That is exactly why there is an argument for walking away at the right time.
Rather than waiting to be replaced, Pickford could leave international football having established himself as one of England's best modern goalkeepers.
Whether that comes after the third place play off or further down the line remains to be seen.
But after another World Cup ends in disappointment, the conversation around England's goalkeeping future is only just beginning.
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