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Jordan Pickford Jokes About Penalty Shootout Heroics In England Vs Switzerland

Jordan Pickford Jokes About Penalty Shootout Heroics In England Vs Switzerland

Jordan Pickford surprisingly stepped up to take a penalty in England's shootout victory over Switzerland this afternoon...

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

Jordan Pickford joked that he is relieved to escape a barrage of abuse on social media after netting his surprise penalty in England's UEFA Nations League shootout victory against Switzerland.

The shot stopper shocked everyone when he stepped up to take England's fifth penalty on Sunday afternoon.

But the Everton keeper coolly dispatched his penalty into the right corner, leaving Switzerland keeper Yans Sommer no chance but to watch the net bulge.

Moments later, Pickford returned to his usual position between the sticks and saved Josip Drmic's penalty to give England the victory.

Following the win, Pickford expressed his delight at his heroics in Guimarae.

"I'm just glad I put it away and won't get battered on Twitter!" he told Sky Sports per The Daily Mail.

It was the first penalty that the former Sunderland man had taken in his career and he admitted that nerves kicked in when he stepped up to the spot.

"I was a bit nervous taking my penalty but I'm not nervous when I'm saving them.

Pickford after scoring his penalty (Image
PA)

"We practice them whenever there is a major competition or the Nations League, we practice them consistently and I picked my spot and I was able to get a goal.

"But I have never taken one in a real game so I was a bit nervous."

It comes as no shock that Pickford remains calm when saving penalties following his heroics in Russia last year.

Pickford became the first senior England keeper in over twenty years to win a penalty shootout following victory against Colombia at the 2018 World Cup.

Jordan Pickford saving a penalty against Colombia in Moscow (Image
PA)

Pickford stated that he believes the key to a quality penalty is creating your own routine.

"It's all about routine I would say, if you watch the top penalty takers, if you watch Harry Kane, he has got his own routine so you've got to create your own routine to make sure everything is done to perfection."

Despite Pickford's fears, Twitter reacted positively to his actions on Sunday.





Pickford has shown off his striking capabilities in the past, with footage emerging from England training last November showing him bending a beauty in from the corner flag.



England's number one is often praised for the ability he possesses with the ball at his feet, so it comes as no shock that he takes a quality penalty too.

We just don't think anyone expected him to step up for the Three Lions.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Nations League, England, Jordan Pickford, Penalty, Switzerland