JORDAN PICKFORD BELIEVES his realisation he is no longer a “normal lad” has helped him mature and cement his position as England’s first-choice goalkeeper.
After a superb World Cup in Russia last year, Pickford’s form for club side Everton during the 2018-19 season came under scrutiny.
He also made headlines off the pitch in early April after footage emerged on social media showing him involved in a fracas outside a bar in his hometown of Sunderland.
The 25-year-old ended his season on a high, however, keeping five clean sheets in the Toffees’ last seven Premier League games.
He followed that with a starring role in England’s third-place finish in the Nations League, scoring and saving a penalty as Gareth Southgate’s side beat Switzerland 6-5 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in their play-off on Sunday.
Pickford is determined to remain grounded despite his rapid ascent in the game but he believes a better understanding of his status as one of English football’s most high-profile names is helping his development.
I think the main thing about it is that I am a normal lad but then sometimes you have got to realise you are not a normal lad; you are an England footballer,” he told a media conference.
“I just want to be a normal lad, but you have got to realise in certain situations that you can’t be. You learn from everything, how to become a man and grow.
So, you move on from that and after that incident I pushed on at the end of the season and got a lot of clean sheets. It just shows my character.”
Asked if he was growing into the role of Gareth Southgate’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, Pickford added: “Yeah, I think you always learn and mature in every game, whether it is club or international level.
“I think I started on the front foot and there has been a lot of pressure, but I don’t feel pressure. I just want to go and express myself and do the best for the nation and for the team.
“I don’t feel any pressure and just feel I can get better to better.”
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All three are absolutely huge players for Ireland, so hopefully they all pull through
The physically that Ryan can bring when he’s on it, is hard to replace. I hope it’s just a knock that he will bounce back from quickly.
With the exception of Cian Healy, it strikes me that Farrell has more faith in what he’s already got in the squad, even to the extent of moving players out of position, than in bringing anyone else to the party at this stage.
@John Morris: I think we’d need all 3 wingers injured before we need to bring anyone else in from outside given we still have JOB to put in. (Calvin Nash next cab on the rank for me based on last season’s form)
@John Morris: Agree 100%. I would bet that Hansen & Lowe will make it but I fear this maybe the end for Ryan. Body language said it all as each team member met him afterwards. Hope I’m wrong.
McCarthy would be my replacement as I don’t see Baird as a lock.
On a more positive side, our front row are inching closer to full tilt which is exactly what we need to put Kiwis on back foot.