Declan Rice: Jordan Pickford has reached new levels for England
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been praised by his England teammate Declan Rice for his performances at Euro 2020.
Pickford kept five straight clean sheets before conceding his first goal of the tournament from a set-piece against Denmark.
However, he made a few good saves later in the game to ensure that England made it to their first-ever EUROs final.
Speaking to the press ahead of the game against Italy on Sunday, Rice waxed lyrical of Pickford.
Per the Liverpool Echo, he said, “He’s top. He’s actually gone to new levels as well. He’s a keeper that’s unbelievable with his feet and can play the way we want to play.
“At tournaments, he can stand up and have the confidence to be the winner for us.
“Jordan’s a top lad and all the other lads love him, to be fair. He’s great to have around the place and a top goalie this tournament and has made some crucial saves for us so far.”
One more game
Bar a shaky moment against Denmark, Pickford’s had an unblemished campaign at Euro 2020. There were many who wanted Gareth Southgate to change his first-choice keeper, but he stuck with the Everton man and that proved to be the right decision.
Not only has he been a commanding presence in goal, but he’s also shown that he’s adept with his feet and is the perfect player for England to build from the back.
He’s a good communicator and has marshalled his defence to near perfection in this tournament. England are still the only team not to concede a goal from open play in this competition – which tells you just how important their keeper and defensive structure has been.
We’re hoping he keeps another clean sheet against Italy and guides England to the promised land.
In other Everton news, ‘Against the fans’ – Michael Ball ace slams Farhad Moshiri for previous Everton blunder
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