It’s one of the quirks of sports journalism, certainly in the mainstream media, that goalkeepers tend to be under more scrutiny during or after a major tournament beforehand. The build-up to big soccer events by writers and pundits largely follows the star outfield players, those perceived as being able to make the difference. Then, as the tournament unfolds, it becomes apparent that the goalkeepers are difference-makers. They carry the can for mistakes leading to goals, or they become the heroes for their saves in penalty shoot-outs.
The reason for the meandering statement above is that, despite the largely absent scrutiny in the media, several of the top European keepers going into Euro 2020 next month (UEFA insists on calling keeping the 2020 part) are under pressure to deliver. Some, as we shall see below, have been struggling in the club season, whereas others have not been performing to their own high standards for their county. With a World Cup on the horizon next winter, a poor European Championship could have consequences for some of the best shot-stoppers on the planet. Below we look at some of the big names under pressure to perform at the tournament next month.
David de Gea – Spain
It seems strange to say it, but David de Gea is no longer Manchester United’s number one goalkeeper for many pundits. Having left England for a couple of weeks for paternity leave in the early spring, Dean Henderson got the nod from United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he played 13 of the final 15 matches. Most United fans will agree that de Gea’s performance levels have dipped this season, with several errors costing the team dearly.
For the moment, he retains the support of Spain boss Luis Enrique. However, he must not allow the errors and lack of concentration that has cost him his United place to creep into performances for La Furia Roja. Unai Simón, the young Athletic Bilbao keeper, is looking like a fine understudy for de Gea, and he might sniff an opportunity to become Spain’s number one too.
Manuel Neuer – Germany
Technically, the pressure is not on Manuel Neuer. Rather it’s the entire German National Team that is under scrutiny. Neuer played in the 6-0 loss to Spain back in November – perhaps the most embarrassing loss in the history of Die Mannschaft. While he did not play in the similarly embarrassing 2-1 defeat to North Macedonia (Marc-André Ter Stegen did), there remains a sense that Germany are very vulnerable.
Betting experts have warned that you should write Germany off for Euros success at your peril, given the team’s propensity for success regardless of how poor their form has been. But a leaky defense has not done Neuer any favors and he always has the knowledge that Ter Stegen is ready to replace him.
Jordan Pickford – England
To be fair, Pickford is not held in the same high regard as the first two players on this list but he is the England number one, and England are the co-favorites for Euro 2020. This is a new kind of pressure for Pickford, as England have not been considered likely to win a tournament for a generation. The Everton keeper seemed in danger of losing his place in 2020, given several high-profile errors for his club. He has been afforded a stay of execution, however.
We mentioned Dean Henderson earlier, and the Manchester United goalkeeper will surely be knocking on the door for selection should Pickford slip up. In addition, Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope will also be hoping for a chance. Pickford needs to be excellent for an England team with great expectations this summer.
