Ahead of England’s Euro 2020 semi-final clash with Denmark, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has achieved a major milestone before a ball has been kicked.
Following Italy and Spain’s playing-out of a 1-1 stalemate – with Italy going on to win on penalties – the lack of a clean sheet for either of Gianluigi Donnarumma or Unai Simon guarantees that the competition will finish with Jordan Pickford as the ‘keeper with the most clean sheets.
The accolade is something of a vindication for the much-maligned Everton star who has shone for Gareth Southgate’s side.
As shared by The Toffee Blues (@EvertonNewsFeed) on Twitter, the Evertonian podcast highlighted the achievement – garnering almost 3500 likes as of Wednesday afternoon.
Twitter:
Jordan Pickford is now guaranteed the Euro 2020 Golden Glove
https://t.co/GRLwjztQRm (@EvertonNewsFeed)
It should be noted that there is no formal Golden Glove award at the European Championships in the same manner as the World Cup, though that will not stop statisticians from noting Pickford’s chart-topping accomplishment.
Everton fans have been treated with an ascendancy of form from the shot-stopper since the new year, and his impeccable rise has translated onto the international stage.
England are the only team in the tournament yet to concede a goal in a sure-fire sign of Gareth Southgate’s defensive emphasis.
He has consistently backed Pickford as England’s first-choice goalkeeper since the 2018 World Cup and has been repaid yet again with Pickford wielding 5 clean sheets in as many games ahead of the clash with Denmark.
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Credit must equally be afforded to Pickford’s teammates in the England defensive unit for such a formidable record, though Pickford’s consistent role between the posts deserves plaudits.
Unlike Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who deputises for squad captain Harry Kane, Pickford has held down a starting role in every England XI, featuring in every available minute for the Three Lions.
His record renders him an ideal ambassador for Everton on the biggest stage.
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