Andy Gray says Tottenham Hotspur and France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris ‘frightens’ me, as he thinks Everton and England’s number one, Jordan Pickford, is better.
The former Scotland striker shared how someone like Lloris never comes off his line and how he wouldn’t get into a combined France and England World Cup XI.
England and France are preparing for their mouthwatering showdown in Qatar on Saturday, with the winner booking their ticket in the last four.
Whilst Didier Deschamps’s squad has been injury-hit, a number of their players are still proven performers and stars from their 2018 triumph in Russia.
That’s where the champions of the world, added with a certain Kylian Mbappe, probably have an edge over Gareth Southgate’s side.
When discussing a possible combined XI between the two, former Everton striker Gray shared why he would pick Pickford over Lloris, as he told beIN SPORTS.
“He has never let England down,” said Gray. “But Lloris frightens me because he never leaves his line. He is a line goalkeeper. His feet aren’t great.
“He nearly cost his side a goal against Poland. The best chance Poland had was because he couldn’t clear the ball properly.
“One thing with Pickford is that he can club the ball. He doesn’t mess about with it.”
COULD PICKFORD REPLACE LLORIS AT TOTTENHAM?
Both keepers can prove their worth on the world stage on Saturday because some serious attacking talent will be coming at them.
From Mbappe to Harry Kane, a player Lloris is very familiar with, this is going to be attack v attack in the Middle East.
But, on the domestic circuit, could Pickford replace Lloris in north London?
Whilst Everton will bat away any interest, Spurs and Antonio Conte are looking to replace their long-serving 35-year-old, with Pickford’s name getting a mention, as reported by 90Min.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
