Everton star Jordan Pickford once again featured heavily for England last night, as they turned around a 1-0 deficit to beat the Netherlands 2-1 and secure their spot in the Euro 2024 final.
Admittedly, international football is something plenty of football fans try not to concern themselves with, particularly on Merseyside.
However, there was undoubtedly a swell of pride last weekend when Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold slammed home the winning penalty against Switzerland after Jordan Pickford had saved from Manuel Akanji.
Ironically, the city of Liverpool had provided England with yet another iconic moment.
However, in reaching the final of another major tournament, true history now awaits for the Three Lions.
Jordan Pickford sends message after England triumph
Pickford is one of the Premier League’s most energetic characters in between the sticks, boasting far more personality and far less inhibitions than most of the media-trained masses you see today.
He is unafraid to let his crazier side loose, especially when on the pitch, and for that he is both revered and lambasted.
For example, Micah Richards praised Pickford’s England performances, but had to preface his adulation with a couple of pointers first.
However, when things are going well, there is nothing better than seeing the beaming grin of the former Sunderland keeper, flailing his arms in celebration or pulling tongues at the camera.
He loves playing for Everton, but might just love playing for England even more.
This was somewhat exhibited in the ten-word message he sent following last night’s triumph, as he wrote on Instagram: ‘One more to go! Love this group! COME ON ENGLAND’.
They face Spain in the final this Sunday.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford could cement his England legend status
Were it not for a few poor penalties against Italy from his teammates, Pickford would already be widely regarded as an England great.
After all, saving two penalties in just one shootout, in a European Championships final no less, deserved such a status.
Alas, it was not to be, but now they have a chance for redemption again this Sunday, and the 30-year-old shot-stopper will be desperate to make this one count.
After all, so many England records have already fallen by the wayside during his stint as the country’s number one, but claiming that elusive major tournament still escapes him.
A win against Spain would be England’s first ever European Championships title, and their first major triumph since Sir Alf Ramsey guided them to the World Cup final in 1966.
Legacy awaits for Pickford, Gareth Southgate, Harry Kane and many others. Let’s see if they can perform on the biggest stage of all this weekend.
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