Jordan Pickford has quickly made himself into an England legend over the last two games but fans will still be laughing at him after he injured himself in a stupid way in their World Cup quarter final.
One of the great joys of a World Cup is discovering new players that you've never heard of.
For hardcore fans such as myself - and I haven't missed a single game yet - this is one of the best things about the tournament, but for the casual fan, it can be hard enough just to remember who is playing for England, let along Peru and Uruguay.
In 2018 in particular, this new, young, unheralded England team is filled with players who aren't exactly household names.
Advert
One of the breakout stars of the tournament has been Jordan Pickford, precisely because he looks like one of us. More accurately, he looks like the wee boy off This Is England, but y'know.
The unassuming nature of the majority of the team makes them loveable, and none more so than Pickford: who demonstrated this hilariously yesterday.
Advert
He hurt his hand punching his own leg in frustration and joked with the BBC after the game that it wouldn't hold him back.
"It was a daft injury by myself," said the 24-year-old Everton keeper. "I went to punch the floor but ended up punching my knee and hurt my thumb.
"It was a bit of anger. But I'm a man not a mouse. I'm fine. I'll live another day won't I?"
On winning the man of the match award yesterday, Pickford said: "It's my job to help the team when I'm called upon to make those saves and if I make sure I'm set and in the right position - which I was - I give myself every chance.
Advert
"Myself, the other keepers and our coach Martyn Margetson work hard every day to make these saves become a bit easier.
"It's all about the crucial timing of a save. But it's also being in the right position at the right time. And that's what we focus on. We do about 600 saves a week just to make one save on a Saturday and that's what it's all about."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football News, UK News, Russia 2018, World Cup news, England, Jordan Pickford, World Cup, Sweden