Skill over fame! How did Pickford become England's defensive anchor?

Janak9955

On the field, we often focus on the forward players, especially star strikers who receive the most attention. However, many people overlook the goalkeepers who protect the team's goal behind them, despite their significant contributions to victory. For instance, in the recent penalty shootout victory of the England team, the hero alongside right winger Saka, who scored the crucial equalizer, was goalkeeper Pickford!

Pickford has been a stalwart for England for quite some time, yet he has always been a player whose skill outweighs his fame. Compared to the glamorous lineup of star forwards, Pickford appears somewhat "ordinary" in this team. However, he has consistently been the most reliable player for England, with numerous saves saving the team on multiple occasions.

Unbeknownst to many, Pickford has now become the second-highest in save success rate in the history of the European Championship. According to statistics, among goalkeepers who have played at least 10 matches in the Euros, aside from Spain's Casillas, who tops the list with an 87% save success rate, Pickford ranks second with an 85% save success rate (Buffon ranks third with 81% save success rate, Van der Sar and Isaksson rank fourth and fifth with 80% and 78% save success rate, respectively), these goalkeepers are the historical goalkeepers, and Pickford is tied with them.

Pickford's performance, of course, is not just about diligent training and pre-match preparation. During the penalty shootout against Switzerland, it was noted that Pickford's water bottle was marked with the habits of Swiss players' penalty kicks. This meticulous preparation allowed Pickford to successfully save Akanji's penalty kick. Opportunities favor the prepared mind. To become England's goalkeeper is definitely not merely a matter of luck, but a result of Pickford's thorough preparation.

Kalkin995

England is not known for producing many goalkeepers, from David Seaman to David James, and then Joe Hart, the national team has often seen many mistakes. The top teams in the Premier League also tend to rely heavily on foreign goalkeepers. This has resulted in England often selecting goalkeepers from mid-table clubs. However, there's a saying in the goalkeeper industry: "weak teams produce great goalkeepers," because weaker teams face more attacks and shots, providing more training opportunities for their goalkeepers. This increased exposure helps goalkeepers develop faster reflexes and grow into top-tier talent. Pickford is a prime example of this. From Sunderland to Everton, Pickford played for clubs considered less competitive in the Premier League, which provided him with significant development opportunities. By the 2018 World Cup, Pickford had established himself as England's No. 1 goalkeeper, and his performances have since improved. Standing at 185cm tall, Pickford doesn't have a height advantage in goalkeeping, but his excellent shot-stopping skills and quick reflexes often make critical saves when needed. He is known for his diligence, as seen in his efforts during penalty shootouts like against Switzerland. Perhaps not the most naturally gifted, Pickford has solidified his place in the England national team through hard work. At 30 years old, he is in his prime, and he is expected to continue guarding England's goal for the next four years.

Ritu77

Fame is inflated, and it doesn't happen overnight. Strength is real, accumulated through battle after battle. Inflated fame fundamentally relies on strength to support it—that's their relationship!

As strength continues to be demonstrated, fame will inevitably skyrocket. This guardian will soon become a revered figure with immense fame!

Indra55

This person is also very diligent. He actually filled his water bottle with the Swiss team's players' habits of taking penalty kicks.

Iti9

Pickford has truly lived up to his name as England's goalkeeper, hasn't he?

Isha000

Pickford is the steady backbone of the England team, and his efforts cannot be overlooked!