After his high-octane roller-coaster ride against Newcastle United earlier this month that left Evertonians feeling sick, a nice and quiet evening on his return to England duty was just what the doctor ordered for Jordan Pickford.
Grinning, shaking his head and and pulling out his tongue at his Toon Army baiters, the former Sunderland man certainly couldn't be accused of going hiding at St James' Park but he'd have arguably fared much better if he just kept his head down and concentrated at his task at hand.
But whereas Blues fans – as infuriated as they were by their goalkeeper's flapping and subsequent meltdown – remain steadfastly loyal to one of their own and are prepared to see the bigger picture, the circus surrounding the Three Lions is far less forgiving.
Despite becoming a national hero last summer with his penalty-saving deeds in the World Cup finals in Russia, the 25-year-old remains a relative rookie at this level and in the eyes of some still hasn't nailed down his spot in the side.
There had even been calls to turn to Burnley's revolving door of England custodians – how ridiculous that three have somehow ended up at Turf Moor and all played this season – and plump for Tom Heaton who has conceded 16 goals in eight games for the Clarets since returning to fitness.
Pickford duly got the nod and retains the backing of his manager, even if Gareth Southgate admitted on the eve of the game that he'd spoken to the player about his latest display back in his native North East.
The fact remains that when you're England number one, even the most orthodox of performances are scrutinised in great detail so it's best to try and play things straight.
This was of course a night in which Wembley paid tribute to the greatest-ever player to don the gloves from this nation, 1966 World Cup winner Gordon Banks in the first international since he died last month aged 81.
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Pickford declared beforehand that he wanted to keep a clean sheet in Banks' honour and he was thankfully not unduly taxed in fulfilling his pledge in a 5-0 stroll against the Czech Republic.
In truth, with Everton team-mate Michael Keane rock solid at the heart of defence in front of him, he had next to nothing to do in the first half but there were a few questions asked after the break.
Firstly Tomáš Souček flashed a header across the face of goal with an effort that looked to have been beyond Pickford's grasp while he was then called into action to gather a close range shot from David Pavelka.
In what was a somewhat nervy period, there was even time for a throw out to hit an opposition player (it hit Patrik Schick on the arm and he was booked) plus another flap at a cross from Pickford but thankfully there were no repercussions this time.
Back to business on the big stage with no harm done. Hopefully the coming months can remain a smooth ride rather than there being any more uncomfortable and unnecessary bumps in the road.
