David James has hailed Jordan Pickford on Sky Sports News (29/3, 10:35) after the Everton ace produced ‘vital’ reaction saves as England came from behind to beat Switzerland 2-1.
The Three Lions fell behind when Breel Embolo broke the deadlock in the 22nd-minute at Wembley on Saturday. But a fierce Luke Shaw strike ensured they entered half-time level, before a Harry Kane penalty took England’s record-breaking unbeaten run to 21 matches.
Switzerland enjoyed chances to stretch their advantage over England before Shaw’s first-half stoppage-time equaliser. Basel midfielder Fabian Frei arguably had the best chance in the 25th-minute. But Pickford did well to raise a hand and tip the ball onto the crossbar.
Pickford was also quick to react when Ricardo Rodriguez took aim from 30-yards to keep England within a goal. A platform Gareth Southgate’s men relished when Frei’s error let Shaw fire home. And even more so when Kane converted from the spot to secure the win.
Everton ace Jordan Pickford ‘impressed’ David James after ‘vital’ England saves
Pickford will try to repeat his Switzerland saves on Tuesday when England host Ivory Coast if the Everton star features. He would hold a one-in-two clean sheet record with a shut out after keeping 21 over 43 caps so far. The 28-year-old has also conceded 32 goals to date.
His domestic record is not as great so far this season, having allowed 44 goals to four clean sheets in 25 Premier League games. He also allowed five goals without a shut out over two FA Cup ties, after shipping once to Brentford before conceding four away to Crystal Palace.
But internationally, Pickford has thrilled James, who feels the Everton goalkeeper showed he is as good as Italy and PSG star Gianluigi Donnarumma with England during Euro 2020.
“In the game against Switzerland, the saves he made, especially the tip onto the crossbar was top draw,” James said. “He hardly saw it, it was pure reaction.
“That is top, top draw, very little reaction time, vital save. I’ve been impressed with him for England, everything he’s done for England has been top draw.
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“I keep going back to the Euros and you’ve got Donnarumma, who’s regarded as one of the best in the world, and Jordan Pickford matched him in every measurable aspect in that final. Was unfortunate to be on the losing side. So, Pickford, for England, [is] excellent.”
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