Gary Lineker claimed on BBC One (11/7, 23:18) after the Euro 2020 final that Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was ‘probably’ England’s best player in their defeat to Italy.
Pickford played every minute of the tournament as the Three Lions’ undisputed number one. He also recorded the most clean sheets, but was unable to register a sixth on Sunday after Leonardo Bonucci’s equaliser.
Pickford could do little more to prevent Bonucci from matching Luke Shaw’s opener to level the scoreline. The Everton ace produced a magnificent reflex save down to his right-hand to keep out Marco Verratti, but the ball, unfortunately, flicked off the post and to the defender.
Federico Chiesa had already forced Pickford to make a save to keep England ahead against Italy. And the Everton shot-stopper looked set to be the hero in the penalty shoot-out after denying Andrea Belotti and then tipping Jorginho’s match-winning attempt onto the post.
Alan Shearer made sure to highlight Pickford’s shoot-out saves during his post-match verdict. Before Lineker built on the Newcastle icon’s comments with his own praise.
“Don’t forget, Pickford did save two of his [penalties],” Shearer said. To which Lineker replied: “Pickford was probably England’s best player on the night, in fact.
“He made some great saves, and two brilliant penalty saves. Particularly the one from Jorginho.”
Everton star Pickford so nearly the hero for England
Pickford was so nearly the hero for England against Italy with the Everton ace producing sublime saves in the shoot-out. He also produced fine stops to deny Chiesa and Verratti in regular time, that deserved to keep the Three Lions ahead as they soaked up the pressure.
Had the ball hit the post millimetres to the left after Pickford denied Verratti, then Italy may not have taken England to extra-time. The Three Lions’ defending of that corner could also be questioned, with Bonucci left unchallenged for a tap in.
Unfortunately for Pickford and England, though, it was not meant to be, and the Everton goalkeeper was left to watch as Italy celebrated winning Euro 2020 at Wembley. His outstanding contribution rightly earning praise, but not the medal he would have preferred.
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