JORDAN PICKFORD appeared to wear a confused expression as Gareth Southgate made his second substitution against Slovakia.
The England boss, 53, left it late to make changes during his side’s Euro 2024 round of 16 clash.
Pundits Roy Keane and Gary Neville called on Southgate to “rip up his plan” at half-time and try something new.
But he didn’t make a change until the 66th minute, when he brought Cole Palmer on for Kieran Trippier, moving Bukayo Saka to left-back in the process.
His next substitution came in the 84th minute, and appeared to prompt some confusion.
Southgate’s second roll of the dice saw him bring on Eberechi Eze for Kobbie Mainoo.
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As the change occurred, goalkeeper Pickford appeared to frown and hold his hands out in confusion.
Seeing the Everton stopper’s reaction on TV, a social media user wrote: “Wait did Pickford and Stones just look confused at that sub??? Nah Southgate is too funny.”
While a second added: “John Stones and Pickford are even confused with that Mainoo sub.”
Southgate waited until four minutes into six added on to make his third change, throwing on Ivan Toney for Phil Foden.
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Just moments later, the Three Lions found a lifeline.
Kyle Walker’s long-throw was flicked on by Marc Guehi, with Jude Bellingham volleying England level with a stunning overhead kick.
The match subsequently went into extra time, with Harry Kane scoring less than a minute after the restart.
At half-time of extra time, Southgate boldly subbed both of his goalscorers, replacing Bellingham and Kane with Conor Gallagher and Ezri Konsa.
England held on to win 2-1, scraping past Slovakia to book a quarter-final with Switzerland next Saturday.
Prior to today’s match, Pickford had suffered an injury scare.
The Three Lions No1 appeared to hurt his left wrist in the warm-up, but was good to go come game time.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
