Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been one of the stars of England’s superb run to the semi-final of this summers World Cup in Russia, and Three Lions boss Gareth Sputhgate has been lavishing praise on the talented 24-year-old.
Pickford pulled off three crucial top class saves during his sides 2-0 victory over Sweden on Saturday, and speaking to the press after the game Southgate revealed that he thinks the young shot stopper has all the attributes that are required of modern ‘keeper:
“Pickford, for me, is the sort of prototype of what a modern goalkeeper should be,” Southgate said in his post match press conference.
“His speed around the goal today, the saves he made at critical times and generally his distribution, there was some excellent moments picking out (Kieran) Trippier a few times with a reverse pass, able to play through the lines.
“So, to be able to play the way I think we want to play moving forwards, we need goalkeepers of that ilk.”
England will face Croatia in the semi-final on Wednesday, with the winners set to face either Belgium or France in the final in Moscow next Sunday.
