Jordan Pickford's determination to prove his doubters wrong has not 'changed' from his time at Sunderland as his second World Cup got under way. That is the view of Black Cats legend Kevin Ball, who has outlined his pride at seeing the Washington-born goalkeeper shine as England's number one.
Pickford started Englands 6-2 Group B win over Iran, as expected on Monday.. The 28-year-old has impressed for Gareth Southgate's side at the 2018 edition of the World Cup as well as last year's rearranged Euro 2020.
The former Sunderland shot-stopper has now earned 46 caps for his country, having made his senior international debut during his time on Wearside. Ball worked as the club's academy lead during Pickford's rise through the ranks, and he has spoken of the goalkeeper's mentality which he used to 'manipulate' to bring out his best.
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Ball told I News : “He had a very challenging nature which I loved. At times, I could manipulate that and I knew he’d be tempted to turn around and think ‘I’ll effing show you’.
“I don’t think that’s changed. The overriding thing he has is the ability, in terms of his shot stopping, but his playing out from the back and passing is phenomenal. It was a fantastic experience for me to coach him and I’m so proud of what he has become.”
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