Pickford is feeling no pressure
ENGLAND Under-21 keeper Jordan Pickford has dismissed the pressure over his £30-million price tag to refocus on Euro 2017.
The 23-year-old became the world’s third most expensive shotstopper when he completed his move to Everton from Sunderland.
He capped a stunning week with a penalty save in the Young Lions’ opening 0-0 draw with Sweden at Euro 2017 in Poland on Friday.
Pickford is also now the most expensive British goalkeeper but insisted his record-breaking fee will not faze him.
He said: “It’s just a number isn’t it? It’s my job to be a goalkeeper and keep the ball out of the net and that’s what I’ve done. I’ve kept a clean sheet. It’s just a number, it doesn’t affect me.
“I got the deal out of the way and over the line. I didn’t 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 was nice to get it out of the way.”
Pickford, who suffered relegation from the Premier League with Sunderland last season, was also due to speak to Everton boss Ronald Koeman for the first time yesterday after his heroics the previous night.
“I’ve never spoken to him before. My agent did all the stuff. I’m just a lad who likes playing football. I’m not bothered about anything else,” said Pickford.
“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 free-kick specialist and that he still takes them.
“I’ve heard he’s a top manager and it will be good to learn under him at Everton. It’s been a big couple of days but I’ll focus on that when I get back.”
Pickford’s late penalty save from Sweden’s Linus Wahlqvist could keep England in the tournament come the end of the week and they face Group A leaders Slovakia tomorrow.
Slovakia beat hosts Poland 2-1 and Pickford knows victory for Aidy Boothroyd’s side is now crucial.
“Yeah definitely,” he said. “We can’t put too much pressure on ourselves but we need to win two games –Slovakia and then the hosts on Thursday in front of a packed house. That will be interesting.”