Jordan Pickford has been praised by England manager Thomas Tuchel following last night’s game against Wales.
The Everton stopper played 90 minutes in the 3-0 friendly win at Wembley, in what was a record breaking game.
Indeed, Pickford has now kept eight consecutive clean sheets on international duty, eclipsing Gordon Banks.
Banks’ record of 7 consecutive shutouts had stood for almost 60 years.
Speaking at full-time, Tuchel praised Pickford’s performance and his ability to remain focused during a dominant display.
He said: “It’s not easy to stay focused in a dominant first half like that. Have basically nothing to do.
“And then suddenly, I think in the 42nd minute, there’s situation where it always can be dangerous. And second half, he had a very difficult save to close his legs very fast.
“He’s a fantastic shot stopper. There is no doubt about it.”
He continued: “We want to have the chance to escape the pressing, also with short passes, and not only with long shots from him. So, he did very well.
“He kept his composure. He kept calm.
“This is basically what we demand of him. He stayed calm, kept his focus.”
PICKFORD ONE OF EUROPE’S BEST STOPPERS
Pickford continues to perform at both domestic and international level, despite consistent scrutiny outside of Evertonians.
Indeed, the 31-year-old hasn’t conceded a goal in a year for England, and is one of the most consistent keepers in the Premier League.
Were it not for the heroics of the former ex-Sunderland man, the Blues could’ve easily gone the way of his former club.
On a recent episode of Match of the Day, former Everton forward Wayne Rooney insisted that Pickford doesn’t receive the credit he deserves.
He said: “When people talk about keepers worldwide, he doesn’t get mentioned often, but he is definitely up there.”
We agree, Wayne. We agree.