England did not deserve much from last night’s Euro 2024 final, but Everton’s Jordan Pickford did.
The stop-stopper has been an ever-present stalwart for the Three Lions for many years now, and has seldom let them down, knocking down record after record with his flashy saves and pinpoint distribution.
However, this was not enough against a Spain side that had shone all tournament, mixing up their play to brush aside the hosts Germany and France whilst also navigating a group consisting of Croatia and Italy.
They deserved the win, but England’s number one once again impressed in a final yet has nothing to show for it.
Juan Mata delivers Jordan Pickford verdict
Speaking live on BBC One last night, on their coverage of the Euro 2024 final, Juan Mata was one of a star-studded line-up of pundits seeking to analyse the historic clash.
It marked a second-straight European Championships final for Gareth Southgate’s men, and whilst they had flattered to deceive all tournament, just making this far was an achievement.
Spain, however, had cruised to the final, looking every bit the champions they would later become.
The loss was tough to take, but England did give their fans one moment to cheer when Cole Palmer finished well from the outside of the box to equalise in the second-half.
Mata would seek to credit Pickford’s role in the build-up to the goal: ‘That was very important from Pickford. He cuts the ball and plays it so quick and Spain were not ready. Then they play it very quick, of course, and they get into a dangerous position.
‘The layoff from Jude is fantastic, this touch, and then Cole Palmer does what he has been doing for Chelsea the whole season. He is a great player and he made a difference once again.’
However, it seems James Tarkowski’s words of inspiration for Pickford did not prove to be enough to spur him on to victory.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford was let down by England teammates
Another final has passed by where England have simply failed to show up.
Despite arguably boasting the better team on paper, and the best in the entire competition some might contest, they simply failed to take the game to the Spaniards on German soil, and were once again far too reactive.
With the players at his disposal, Southgate had to be dominating football matches in Euro 2024, but instead, the better team on the day won as they pulled apart England’s system.
Pickford was hopeless to prevent both efforts, the first a close-range finish from Nico Williams, and the second, a late winner, from Mikel Oyarzabal.
However, when called into action he did his bit, saving well from Lamine Yamal to prevent the game from running away from England and playing his part in the equaliser too.
It’s a real shame that England’s abundance of attacking riches couldn’t muster up enough quality to win the tournament. They have let Pickford, who was faultless at the other end of the pitch, down.
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