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Jordan Pickford Had USA Penalty Takers And Their Preferred Sides On Water Bottle

Jordan Pickford Had USA Penalty Takers And Their Preferred Sides On Water Bottle

He did the same thing during the World Cup...

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

England's game with the USA at Wembley may have only been a friendly that celebrate Wayne Rooney's career with the Three Lions, but Jordan Pickford came prepared.

Pickford was only really forced into making one save when Borussia Dortmund's Christian Pulisic got in behind, but he certainly did his homework when it came to penalty takers.

The Everton shot-stopper had all the possible USA takers and their preferred approach written in marker on his water bottle so that he'd have quick access to all the necessary information if a spot-kick was awarded to the visitors.

Pickford has garnered a reputation for being very handy when it comes to saving from 12 yards and it's not the first time he's used the water bottle trick.

The former Sunderland goalkeeper made a crucial save to thwart Carlos Bacca in the dramatic World Cup round of 16 penalty shoot-out over Colombia and was helped by goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson.

Image: PA
Image: PA

According to the Mirror Margetson swapped the England number one's water bottle for one with instructions on which side each Colombia taker would go written on.

The swap happened as Gareth Southgate was informing England players of the order of the penalty takers, at the end of extra time, and the 24-year old also had the bottle with him during the shoot-out itself.

"I did a lot of research on them for starters," Pickford told ITV after the game.

"Falcao is the only one who didn't go his way. I just set my way and went with power. I've got power and agility I don't care if I'm not the biggest keeper but I've got the power and agility to help us get around the goal and I'm very good at it. It's about making the save and being in the moment."

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Topics: Penalties, Football, England, Jordan Pickford, Everton, USA