Pickford’s kicking quality vindicates Gareth’s faith
JORDAN PICKFORD’S incredible pass from just outside his own penalty area to Raheem Sterling on the edge of the Scotland box was the highlight of a wonderful goalkeeping performance at Wembley.
From being the supposed weak link in England’s Euro 2020 side, the Everton No 1 has arguably been Gareth Southgate’s best player over the course of the opening two matches and vindicates the manager’s decision to keep faith.
One of Pickford’s strengths has always been his technical nous with his feet but even so, the distribution to Sterling and ability to turn defence into attack in a split-second was something Glenn Hoddle would have been proud of.
If Sterling had been able to control, England may have gone 1-0 up after an hour and won a match they scarcely deserved to.
Pickford started the year by seeing a sports psychologist, having come under scrutiny for mistakes made at club and international level. He credits the visits as having helped to keep him calm in the heat of battle and England are certainly reaping the rewards.
Against the Scots, Pickford not only commanded his penalty area well — o ne o f hi s s upposed weaknesses — he also pulled off an incredible stop to prevent Stephen O’Donnell from scoring for Scotland, getting a strong right palm to divert the stinging shot away from goal.
England were criticised after being held to a 0- 0 draw in the ‘Battle of Britain’ but Pickford said afterwards: ‘If you can’t get a win, don’t get beat’.
He was talking about the team but after two clean sheets, it applies equally to him personally.