Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford stepped up again for England and helped them reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
The 30-year-old is someone who still divides opinion, but one thing you can’t argue, he has been an outstanding servant for his country and is still going strong.
England’s nail-biting win over Switzerland is another chapter Jordan Pickford can tell his grandkids about, but this time, he is hoping it ends in glory after the heartache of Euro 2020.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, who was Man of the Match against the Swiss, and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold understandably got the headlines for the role they played in their team’s win.
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But Pickford perhaps went under the radar because, whilst all five of the England players put away their spot kicks, Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji watched his effort saved by Everton’s number one.
After Alexander-Arnold rifled in the winning penalty into the top corner, he ran over to Pickford to celebrate and the rest of the England team joined them.
There were joyous scenes from all involved with the Three Lions, including Saka getting lauded, but Laura Woods noticed something about Pickford.
She praised the shot-stopper for his performance and stated ‘credit to him for saving one’, but noticed that he was ‘almost in tears’.
Out on the pitch, Pickford is a bit of a character. Goalkeepers are as mad as a box of frogs anyway, but he really showcases his emotions whenever he can.
And Laura Woods was right to big him up on ITV Sport when everyone was celebrating yet another nervous, edgy and thrilling finish to an England game at this summer’s Euros.
Jordan Pickford helps England beat Switzerland at Euro 2024
“Jordan Pickford as well, credit to him for saving one,” said Woods. “He almost looks in tears. I am not sure if he is. But he looks so happy.
“England also did it without Harry Kane, which is so strange to see, obviously, he gets taken off.”
Jordan Pickford deserves more appreciation for his England performances
There was a period of Pickford’s career where he was making mistake after mistake in Everton colours, but it still wasn’t affecting his England performances.
But because of that, he wasn’t universally lauded and many were questioning whether or not he should keep the gloves on the international stage.
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From the 2018 World Cup in Russia to trying to win Euro 2024, he hasn’t done much wrong and deserves more credit for his performances, especially in major tournaments.
The former Sunderland man has 66 English caps to his name and you feel there is every chance that he can raise his bat and reach 100 down the line.
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