A number of fans from sides from around the Premier League have been lauding Jordan Pickford’s efforts for England against Montenegro, in response to a post on Twitter by the Everton goalkeeper.
Pickford earned his 24th cap for the Three Lions on Thursday night as he started between the sticks in England’s 1,000th men’s international fixture, which saw Gareth Southgate’s side smash Montenegro 7-0 to secure their spot at next summer’s Euro 2020 finals.
Montenegro may not have put up much of a defensive barrier to Southgate’s side, but head coach Faruk Hadzibegic did see his men force Pickford into action on a few occasions as they sought to demonstrate some of their offensive potential.
A powerful header by Marko Simic in the 26th minute forced a great save from Pickford, as the Montenegro centre-back got in front of Manchester United’s Harry Maguire at a corner and connected perfectly with the ball.
Striker Fatos Beqiraj later forced Pickford to save England’s clean sheet after getting in behind as half-time approached, but his effort struck our number one in the chest before rolling out of harm’s way.
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England’s backline were much stronger in the second-half and restricted what Montenegro could do, meaning Pickford was not forced to make a save, parry danger or make a claim after the break.
His efforts to deny Simic and Beqiraj impressed fans from around the country, though, going by some of the responses to his post reflecting on featuring in England’s 1,000th fixture…
Safe hands ????????????????
— ritualsspursman (@ritualspursman) November 14, 2019
That first save you made was unbelievable, that’s why your our number one right there!
— Mike Harniman (@StevenageGooner) November 15, 2019
Two great Saves Jordan
— Deezed Manchester (@DzBlueWhale) November 14, 2019
Couple of great saves picks…. Especially from the header…
— Kevin Brayne (@brayney81) November 15, 2019
Made some top saves in the first half Jordan well played! On to the next????
— Musa 2️⃣8️⃣???????????? (@Musathfc28) November 14, 2019
Good game pic.twitter.com/jjeavfdnPT
— Yazeed Ynwa (@Yazeed_Ynwa) November 15, 2019