Tonight will be the biggest moment in Jordan Pickford’s life, as the Everton goalkeeper gears up for his second European Championships final with England.
The first, where the Three Lions lost on penalties to Italy back in 2021, saw him so close to being the hero he deserved to be.
He broke so many records en route to that stage, and having led after just three minutes, it seemed theirs to lose.
And when Jordan Pickford then twice denied the Italians from the spot in the shootout, it was suddenly there to be won again, squandered.
However, tonight marks a chance for redemption for Gareth Southgate and his squad, with Spain now standing in their way.
James Tarkowski sends message to Everton teammate
Speaking to The Daily Mail, on page 98 of today’s print edition, James Tarkowski sought to send a message to his Everton teammate ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 final.
Pickford, who has been an England mainstay for many years now, is expected to play a huge role in any success his country has against Spain tonight.
The former Burnley centre-back clearly sees that as the case as well, as he wrote: ‘Jordan, our first meeting was when I got my first England call-up in March 2018. Straight away it was clear to me that you were a leader.
‘We never got to play together for our country, but I’m so happy to be your team-mate at Everton.
‘You are fearless, brave and I know the work you put in to ensure you are prepared for the defining moments – like when you saved Manuel Akanji’s penalty against Switzerland.
‘You have been outstanding all tournament, but you have been outstanding for England since you first pulled on your gloves.
‘We are starting pre-season tomorrow and we miss you because life is quiet without you. But we will be watching tonight. Everyone at Everton is right behind you. Bring it home, mate.’
Jordan Pickford set to star for England in Euro 2024 final
As aforementioned, the 30-year-old will almost definitely be at the heart of anything good that England does tonight, given how desperate he is to succeed.
Pickford’s reaction to reaching the Euro 2024 final exhibited this perfectly.
He has been their shining light at the back for many years now, starting his love affair with the rest of the country at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where his penalty heroics against Colombia announced him to the nation, before he repeated that feat three years later during the delayed Euro 2020.
However, whilst many have questioned whether his fine form for England matches his Everton performances, Evertonians have been staunch in their defence.
Having arguably kept the Toffees in the Premier League single-handedly at times across his seven-year spell at Goodison Park, and shone for England too, he has a chance to finish his career as a legend for both club and country.
Tonight marks the chance to cement the latter with another stunning performance on the biggest stage.
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