‘I am just a lad who likes playing football. I am not bothered about anything else’
JORDAN Pickford says is not fazed by the high price tag paid for him after his big-money move to Everton.
The Sunderland academy graduate joined Everton on Thursday, the Merseyside club paying £30m for the England U21 international’s services.
It made the Washington lad the most expensive British goalkeeper ever - and the third most expensive shot-stopper in the world.
Pickford, currently at the under-21s European Championships in Poland with the Young Lions, says he feels no pressure from the big fee.
He said after England’s opening group match: “It is just a number, isn’t it?
“It is my job to be a goalkeeper and keep the ball out of the net and that is what I have done. I have kept a clean sheet. It is just a number, it does not affect me.
“I got the deal out of the way and over the line so I could focus on the Euros. I did not know too much about it until I came out here but got that done so I could focus on trying to win the Euros.
“When I heard about it and they said they were sorting the medical so it could go through, it is nice to get it out of the way.”
The 23-year-old showed no signs of feeling any pressure during England’s opening group match in Poland on Friday.
Aidy Boothroyd’s side drew 0-0 with Sweden - but only thanks to Pickford’s late penalty save to earn his clean sheet. On the penalty save, he reflected: “It is pot luck sometimes but yes, I was confident. I held my ground and did not dive until late. “I have made that big save at the big moment. It is what I keep saying – I make big saves. “I was not expecting one. I have been practising but big game, big moment, big save.”
England play group leaders Slovakia today in their second game before concluding their group matches against hosts Poland on Thursday.
Slovakia beat Poland 2-1 in their clash and Pickford knows victory against the Slovaks is crucial.
He continued: “We cannot put too much pressure on ourselves. Win two games. We have Slovakia and then the hosts on Thursday in front of a packed house. That is going to be an interesting game but that is what we are here for. That is why we are playing big matches.”
When the tournament concludes, Pickford will arrive at Everton’s training base for the first time.
He has yet to go to his new club
after his deal was concluded from Poland, a medical taking place there while his agent concluded the business side in England so he could focus on preparations for the European Championships.
Pickford is excited to start work under new boss Ronald Koeman.
He said: “I have never spoken to him before. My agent did all the stuff.
“I am just a lad who likes playing football. I am not bothered about anything else. He texted me wishing me good luck.
“I was a bit too young to see him as a player but I heard he was a freekick specialist and that he still takes them.
“I have heard he is a top manager and it will be good to learn under him. It has been a big few days but I will focus on that when I get back.”
I have made that big save at the big moment. It is what I keep saying - I make big saves Jordan Pickford