Pickford is renowned for his distribution. Earps observed: "He can boot that ball long! I think more in terms of direct play, he gets England out of trouble sometimes, he tries to find Harry Kane for some hold up play or just to release the pressure, gain some territory. I'd have him more as a long ball striker than maybe an intricate Ederson type. It seemed to me like a massive part of the game plan, not quite PSG kicking out of play, but it was definitely part of the game plan. I think the first 25 minutes was to gain territory and not invite pressure and not try and make silly mistakes, giving Mexico a chance." Against Mexico in the last 16, despite conceding two goals, his performance was widely considered his best in the tournament yet.