Petit Hails England's Fluid Start But Questions Pickford's Tournament Credentials

Emmanuel Petit is bullish about England's World Cup prospects following their commanding 4-2 demolition of Croatia, though the 1998 World Cup winner has identified one potential weak link that could derail their tournament ambitions.

Thomas Tuchel's side made a statement of intent in their opening fixture, with Harry Kane's first-half brace complemented by second-half strikes from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford. The performance left Petit convinced the Three Lions possess the tools to mount a serious challenge.

"I've been very confident from the start with England," he told talkSPORT. "The fluidity, the movement, the pace, the intensity—everything was spot on from kick-off. I was genuinely delighted with what I saw."

The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder was particularly effusive in his praise for Kane's all-round contribution, extending well beyond his two-goal haul. Petit highlighted the captain's defensive graft and work rate, noting how Kane positioned himself like a centre-back when required.

"Harry Kane made a real impression on me," he explained. "Forget the goals for a moment—his defensive contribution was exceptional. He was literally the last line of defence at times, throwing his body in front of opposition strikers. That's the mark of a true leader. Wherever he operates on the pitch, he does the right things. His teammates feed off that mentality, and you can see his confidence and dedication rubbing off on everyone around him."

Yet Petit's optimism comes with a caveat. Like Troy Deeney before him, the Frenchman has serious reservations about Jordan Pickford between the sticks.

"I wasn't particularly impressed by Pickford," he admitted. "He should have been sharper on the opening goal, in my view. His shot-stopping was adequate, but something just doesn't sit right with me.

"To win a World Cup, you need one of the tournament's elite goalkeepers. That's my take on it. You might see things differently, but I'm not genuinely confident in him. When he's on the ball, especially near his line—corners, free kicks, those moments—I always get the sense something could go wrong. It's hard to shake that feeling."