Jordan Pickford has gone through the toughest season of his life to become the meanest keeper at the Euros.
England No.1 Pickford has yet to concede a goal in the tournament, been arguably Gareth Southgate’s best player and is on course to win the Golden Glove.
It comes after a difficult year which saw him lose his place to Robin Olsen at Everton, get death threats after his tackle ended Virgil van Dijk’s season and saw his England place come under threat.
However, Pickford has never once let England down and he believes his impressive form is overcoming those obstacles and also a new maturity in his life since his wife Megan gave birth to their baby son Arlo two years ago.
Pickford, 27, said: “Having a son definitely helps. That changes your life. I feel I have changed, I am 27 now and have played a lot more matches through my career, the numbers start adding up and it is a learning curve, every day you learn something new.
“On the training pitch or at home you are always learning, that is the biggest factor for me. I feel like I am in good form and in a good place, so for me it is just about being consistent with high levels.
“I think the personality was always there and it was just about me applying myself every day, which I always do.
“Robin came into the club last season to push me on and it’s always better when there’s competition for you. The more competition, the more you want to prove them wrong and get better and better.
“For me last season was great because we had Robin there. The manager, Carlo Ancelotti, took me out a couple of times to give me a rest and get recharged and unfortunately I had a couple of little niggles and injuries, so that gave me a break I didn’t want.
“But I came back and I was flying. I felt I was in a good place and just carried that into the England set-up.”
Pickford’s distribution was a key factor in why he got the nod before the 2018 World Cup and his kicking in this tournament led to a ding-dong with John Stones who thought he was going too long.
But what is not in doubt is the quality of his saves. His reflex tip over to deny Kai Havertz was sensational, a brilliant stop from Scotland’s Stephen O’Donnell was vital and another block from Timo Werner in the Germany game.
Pickford can surpass legendary Gordon Banks’ record of keeping four clean sheets at the start of a tournament as he did in 1966 but says he would swap everything for England to win the Euros and to create lasting memories for his son.
Pickford said: “There’d be nothing better for me than to win a medal with England. Personal stuff, that takes care of itself. Keep performing for England and keeping those clean sheets is a bonus. To win a medal with England would be the pinnacle.
“It’s about creating memories. He’s been to one of the games and he won’t remember it. But just to have those photographs for when he’s grown up, just to see he’s been to watch his dad at Wembley, is just amazing for him, me and Megan.
“It’s a great feeling for us three and great memories to have for the future.”
Pickford also revealed that new Everton boss Rafa Benitez has already been in touch and sent his best wishes for the tournament.
“With Carlo going to Real it was hard for him to turn the job down, so we knew there was a new manager,” said Pickford.
“Rafa, the new manager, you’ve seen his career, the trophies he’s won, his desire to win matches all the time. He rang me last night. It was nice to get to speak to him. He said enjoy the tournament, do well for England and I’ll see you when you get back.”
