WORLD AT HIS FEET

Goalkeepers used to be the last line of defence — now they’re the first line of attack

VISION. Never mind saving or catching, the new essential word for the modern goalkeeper revolves around what they are able to see.

The last line of defence is now the first line of attack and how quickly a No 1 can spot a pass will determine how far they can go. Fortunately for Jordan Pickford, this was something one of his mentors spotted a long time ago to give him a head start.

Kevin Ball, a Sunderland stalwart, knew all about Pickford’s ability between the posts but he wanted to open his eyes to football from another angle, so occasionally he would ask the promising youngster to put his gloves down and get in the back four.

‘And I was decent,’ Pickford recalls. ‘Bally would put me at centre half so I could see a different side of the game — then he said I was the best in training! I enjoyed playing outfield. I used to do it at school, too. I played centre midfield but I don’t know what level I could have got to — or if I had the legs!’

You saw in England’s 3- 2 victory over Spain in Seville on Monday a stunning snapshot of Pickford’s formative years coming together, those passes flying with the trajectory of javelins that led to England’s opening two goals on a night that will not be forgotten in a hurry.

‘That passing weapon he has is so good and so threatening,’ noted David Seaman, whose stellar career saw him win 75 England caps. ‘It makes you go “wow!” — that part of his distribution is amazing. He sees it and executes it with real class.’

This, though, is not a rare occurrence. The Football Association have long held a view that Pickford would prove himself to be something different and Gareth Southgate was particularly excited about giving him his first Under 21 cap against the USA in September 2015.

He practises persistently and this observer remembers watching him at St George’s Park in the summer of 2017, firing balls 50 yards into mini-goals on the halfway line. Invariably, they hit the target. If they didn’t, he would admonish himself to get it right next time.

But there is more to him than just passing and this point needs to be stressed in the wake of the second half against Spain — or, specifically, the moment when his thinking short-circuited and he was caught in possession inside his own area. On another night, it could have been calamitous.

Pickford is not perfect and there have been goals he has conceded for Everton that he will look back on and recognise he could have done better, but the one thing he has from everyone at Goodison Park — his manager, Marco Silva, his team-mates and fans — is trust.

Maturity and experience will see him improve in the future and that is why Bill Kenwright, Everton’s chairman, was instrumental in offering Pickford a new six-year deal, which he signed last month. They recognise where he can go.

So do England. Pickford may still have some rough edges, but, unquestionably, he is a game-changer.

He made the difference against Colombia at the World Cup in that emotional last-16 tie and had a huge influence on a first win in Spain since 1987. Expect more such contributions in the future.

‘I have always said you only get one shot in life as a footballer,’ said Pickford. ‘So long as I keep performing week in, week out for Everton I will have the chance to stay England No 1.

‘The gaffer (Southgate) knows I can play with my feet but he knows the capability I have in goal, as well.

‘He has put the faith in me and I had to repay him at the World Cup. I think I did. Now it is about taking the next step.’

And Pickford has the vision to see where he needs to go.