On Sunday evening in Düsseldorf, as the referee signaled for a penalty shoot-out between England and Switzerland, Jordan Pickford entered a mental space he knows intimately and where he feels supremely comfortable.
Many observers noted how calmly England’s takers dispatched their kicks, contrasting sharply with the anxiety these situations used to evoke for the Three Lions. However, their goalkeeper has excelled at penalties on the international stage for years.
“The lads who executed the five penalties were sensational,” Pickford remarked, “and I helped them out by saving the first penalty, which gave us an advantage. I would have liked to save more, but the penalties I faced were well taken.”
This demonstrates the high standards England’s No1 sets for himself – and with good reason. Since 2018, Pickford has saved five of the 20 shoot-out penalties he has faced, contributing to England’s victories in three out of four such encounters. To put that in context, England’s keepers saved two penalties between 1990 and 2012 and were on the losing side six times out of seven.
A crucial part of Pickford’s routine during penalty shoot-outs is his animated demeanor, visibly checking his water bottle with instructions, communicating with the referee, and rallying the crowd. Watching him is akin to witnessing a showman captivate his audience. It’s pure theatre.
“Off the pitch, I’m different – quieter and more introspective,” he explained. “But once I step over that white line, ‘Jordan Pickford the footballer’ emerges: the passion, the mentality, in the zone – it all comes out.”
His coach Gareth Southgate attributes part of Pickford’s shoot-out success to his embrace of the situation and the pressure it brings.
“I think having a goalkeeper who relishes being at the center of those moments is a crucial characteristic,” the England manager reasoned, “and Jordan has repeatedly shown he can make crucial saves.”
Wednesday’s semi-final against the Netherlands will mark England’s third major tournament semi-final under Southgate, with expectations running high. Yet, in Pickford, they have a goalkeeper who thrives when faced with tough challenges.
“I thrive under pressure and I love playing in these moments,” he emphasized. “I’m living my dream. If you don’t enjoy playing football in these situations, what’s the point?”
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