‘What about Mary Earps in the World Cup final?’ Football fans slam commentator Steve Bower for saying an England goalkeeper ‘hasn’t saved a penalty for 10 years’ during the match against North Macedonia
Football fans watching England’s 1-1 draw with North Macedonia on Monday night were left frustrated by commentator Steve Bowers – after he made a major omission in reciting statistics ahead of the penalty.
When North Macedonia’s Enis Bardhi took a 41st-minute penalty against Jordan Pickford – after being hit in the face by rising England star Rico Lewis – commentator Steve Bower told those listening at home that it had been ten years since England had a goalkeeper a penalty saved.
Bower told the Channel 4 audience: ‘You have to go back ten years before the last England goalkeeper saved a penalty.’
He added: ‘Joe Hart in Doha, from Ronaldinho no less, against Brazil was the last English goalkeeper to save a penalty in normal play.’
On
Jordan Pickford prepares to take a penalty from North Macedonia’s Enis Bardhi during last night’s Euro 2024 qualifier, with commentator Steve Bower telling fans it had been 10 years since an England goalkeeper had saved a penalty
The lioness keeper shouted the famous “f*** off!” in the nerve-wracking encounter in August after saving Spain Jennifer Hermoso’s penalty and promptly keeping the England women in the biggest game of their lives.
Despite Spain ultimately winning, Earps won the Golden Glove after being named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
On
Pre-match commentators Steve Bower, right, and Dion Dublin… but many on social media were unhappy with Bower’s England goalkeeper stats
One person wrote on
Another added: ‘Not the commentator who says Joe Hart was the last England goalkeeper to save a pin?’
One furious X user wrote: ‘You have to go back ten years to the last time an English goalkeeper saved a penalty.’ Sorry? Once again women don’t exist.’
Others disputed whether the matches could be compared. One wrote: ‘We do not directly compare the men’s 100m records with the women’s 100m, nor do Man City’s WSL rankings affect the men’s equivalent. They are two different branches of the same sport.’
Jordan Pickford saved Enis Bardhi’s penalty, but the ball bounced straight into his path, giving North Macedonia the lead
In last night’s men’s match, England ultimately drew in Euro 2024 qualifying. Bardhi’s penalty was saved, but he scored from the follow-up. Harry Kane eventually reached England level.
With their path to the final as group winners already assured, manager Gareth Southgate was seemingly happy.
He told reporters afterwards: ‘I thought the performance was good, the mentality was excellent and we were in complete control of the game.
‘The way they defended and the pitch did not make it easy to find the last pass.