England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has silenced his critics at Euro 2020, proving an impressive last line of defence for a side yet to concede a goal as they prepare for a quarter-final against Ukraine.
England’s first success against the Germans in a knockout match for 55 years was secured by late goals from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane at Wembley on Tuesday.
But it was the much-maligned Pickford who laid the foundation for the 2-0 win that secured a last-eight clash in Rome on Saturday.
The 27-year-old saved Timo Werner’s first-half effort by taking up the perfect position to block his shot, then acrobatically tipped over Kai Havertz’s fierce strike soon after the interval.