Jordan Pickford on the brink: Everton hero poised to shatter Gordon Banks’ historic England record

Jordan Pickford has become a cornerstone for England, consistently delivering top performances for the national team while also holding down the fort as Everton’s main goalkeeper. His form has not only helped the Three Lions advance deep into major competitions but also sparked Everton’s determination to secure his future with a new contract.

Pickford’s journey into English football folklore began in the 2018 World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in helping England overcome Colombia in the round of 16. The match ended in a tense penalty shootout, with Pickford making a crucial save from Carlos Bacca before Eric Dier sealed victory. This moment was instrumental in England reaching the semi-finals, breaking their long-standing penalty shootout curse.

A few days later, Pickford’s brilliance was on display again during England’s quarter-final clash with Sweden. After Harry Maguire gave England an early lead, Pickford was repeatedly called into action, denying Marcus Berg and Viktor Claesson with exceptional saves. His efforts ensured a 2-0 win and earned him the Man of the Match award.

The 2020 European Championships saw Pickford reach new heights in an England shirt. Facing Germany at Wembley in the round of 16, Pickford kept the scores level with vital saves against Timo Werner and Kai Havertz. England went on to win 2-0, with Pickford’s composure and reflexes proving integral to their progress.

Despite England’s quarter-final exit at the hands of France in the 2022 World Cup, Pickford’s contribution remained significant, particularly in the earlier knockout rounds. Against Senegal, he produced a string of impressive saves during a nervy opening phase, including a memorable stop from Boulaye Dia. England eventually triumphed 3-0, but Pickford’s presence prevented an early upset.

Most recently, Pickford again demonstrated his penalty prowess at Euro 2024. During the quarter-final against Switzerland, with the match ending 1-1, he saved Manuel Akanji’s penalty early in the shootout. This crucial intervention helped England progress to the final, once again highlighting Pickford’s ability to deliver under intense pressure.

Throughout his international career, Pickford has continually risen to the occasion, providing England with stability and confidence between the posts. His repeated heroics in high-stakes situations have solidified his reputation as one of the country’s finest goalkeepers in recent memory.