Incredible scenes in Russia saw England win their first ever World Cup penalty shoot-out and at the heart of the action was Everton’s Jordan Pickford.
The 24-year-old had received a bit of stick for his performance against Belgium but against Colombia the young keeper was in fine form.
In a very tight game Pickford made some incredible saves for England and capped off his performance with heroics in the penalty shoot out.
After Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson’s penalty was saved it seemed like England were destined to be knocked out on penalties again. But Colombia could only hit the bar with their next penalty and after Kieran Trippier smashed home, the pressure was on the Colombians.
Then came Pickford’s moment. Up stepped veteran striker Carlos Bacca. The AC Milan forward tried to lash the ball in to the top left corner only for Pickford’s outstretched arm to dramatically palm the shot away sparking pandemonium in pubs all over England.
Social media has been buzzing since England’s win and Everton fans are relishing the praise being poured upon their goalkeeper. Here is a selection of the best of what’s been said:
That Pickford save was the best thing to happen to Everton fans since 1995 😂
— Ian (@ianwatling) July 4, 2018
Wonderful line from Gazzetta dello Sport on Pickford, per @eaamalyon.
"Pickford performed the miracle. The Everton goalkeeper was the priest who scared away the demons of England’s past." #EFC 🙌 pic.twitter.com/pRCXuRb4C0
— THE BLUE ROOM – EVERTON PODCAST (@TheBlueRoomEFC) July 4, 2018
Please be good next year Everton so that Pickford doesn’t leave
— Tim Hodgson (@Tim_Hodgson27) July 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/Lee__EFC/status/1014422157915578368
This is how it feels to be Everton
This is how it feels to be small
We've Got Pickford
Your keeper just drops the Ball https://t.co/yBmWA18QHx— Unobstructed View (@kelefc) July 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/PrinceRupEFC/status/1014411062983233536