Former Premier League goalkeeper Rob Green has pointed out Jordan Pickford's 'calmer' attitude as a major reason behind the Everton goalkeeper's recent improvement.
A string of saves in the last few games of the season proved to be vital as the Toffees survived relegation and kept their place in the Premier League. An up-turn in form saw calls quiet down for Pickford to lose his spot as England's starting goalkeeper ahead of the Qatar World Cup at the end of the year.
Pickford's strong displays can not only be a benefit for the Toffees according to Rob Green, but also the Three Lions in what will be a tough World Cup group as the team looks to do one better than their losing effort in the final of Euro 2020.
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“Yeah, more positive and more clearer and calmer-minded as well,” Green said on Channel 4 before England's 1-0 defeat to Hungary on Saturday. “I think that’s critical for Jordan Pickford and the way that he plays. Looking at some of the saves he made this season, big, big saves for Everton.
“He has a temptation to want to get involved in the team, to get excited. [Not doing] That in turn leads to a better technique and clearer mind. You can see that he’s set, ready to make save.
"He’s not tempted to get involved with the play, that’s where mistakes come. You don’t want to start second guessing your team-mates. He’s focusing on doing his job and from that comes a better technique.
“Some big performances from him and they’ll need him again with the World Cup coming.”
Pickford could do nothing about the goal England conceded against Hungary, diving the right way for Dominik Szoboszlai's penalty but the ball finding the back of the net despite his best efforts.
