Jordan Pickford has once again commented on the criticism he received during the World Cup.
The England international returned to training today after he cut his holiday short, following his successful and heavily publicised exploits at the World Cup this summer.
Pickford was one of England’s stars of the tournament, helping the Three Lions reach the semi-finals of the tournament, saving a penalty in a shootout against Colombia in the Round of 16.
Since then, speculation has linked Chelsea with a possible move, with the Blues reportedly considering Pickford as a good replacement should Thibaut Courtois leave the club.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing for Pickford, who originally drew criticism during England’s final group-stage game against Belgium, in which public opinion claimed the former Sunderland ‘keeper should have saved Adnan Januzaj’s goal-bound shot.
Talking in an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Pickford explained his thoughts behind the situation. He said:
My mental side of the game is really strong. It doesn’t affect me. Anyone can slate me if they want to. I know if I have played well or badly. I always ask my dad and he tells me straight. Other people don’t affect me. It’s just about me becoming better. I still call my old goalkeeper coach, Mark Prudhoe at Sunderland, and he’s very honest with me.
On Adnan’s goal, it’s instinct. You have a split second. It’s like boxing. If you go with a left hook, he might come over the top and surprise you with a right hook. My reactions are good. It was such a small margin and if I had saved it, everyone would have been saying, “What a worldy save!”
Pickford picked up considerable form in the knockout rounds, impressing against Colombia – in particular through an astonishing point blank save seconds before Yerry Mina equalised for Colombia.
He continued this form against Sweden and Croatia, saving a smart attempt in extra-time from Mario Mandžukić. Pickford continued:
I spread myself really well for that Croatia one. I grew up watching Peter Schmeichel videos, so there may have been some of that there. As a Sunderland fan, I loved Tommy Sorensen. I watched football but I was a kid who really preferred being out on the street with my mates playing hide and seek! That’s me — a bit daft! I was out playing football every day on the Tarmac, diving to make saves.
As a ‘keeper, you need every tool in the box. You can be technically great but it’s all about keeping the ball out the net. You need guts. Mark at Sunderland used to say the job is keeping it out, however scruffy or technically perfect it may be.
Pickford also explained how he was looking forward to next season with Everton, targeting a top-six finish with the Toffees. Pickford continued:
The season is just round the corner so I have cut my holiday short. Marco Silva texted me a few times in the World Cup and I’ve spoken to our new goalkeeping coach.
I feel fresh and I want to improve.
