Getty After rectifying the flaws in his game, the goalkeeper has completely transformed the Three Lions’ dreadful track record in penalty shootouts.
"Another grind, another trenches game, but that's what it's all about," said Jordan Pickford after England's penalty shootout win over Switzerland in their Euro 2024 quarter-final. English football's obsession with trench warfare has long felt outdated and cringeworthy, but if there was one player in the current squad who would potentially thrive in such an environment, it would be Pickford.
The Everton goalkeeper is known for expressing his emotions openly while playing. Rather than suppressing them, he allows them to erupt. This has been a consistent aspect of his career, and at times, he has been advised to calm down and focus on the game at hand. Realistically speaking, expecting him to change was never a feasible option.
And now England must be grateful that Pickford has maintained his natural character and continued to wear his heart on his sleeve, the same sleeve which repelled Manuel Akanji's penalty and laid the platform for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Co. to book England's place in the semi-final against the Netherlands.
After enduring continuous ridicule, Pickford is finally receiving the recognition he deserves as one of England’s most reliable performers over the past decade.
