Jordan Pickford is gearing up for his fifth major tournament as England’s no.1 when the Three Lions head to North America this summer.
Only Harry Kane has more England tournament appearances than Pickford, who is a player that excels on the biggest stage and never seems to be weighed down by the pressure of representing his country.
For Pickford, his international journey started from a young age as a fan and has now come full circle.
Pickford on England, pressure and history
As a youngster, Pickford would always watch the World Cup, with his favourite memory growing up something of a telling one for those who have followed the Three Lions through thick and thin.
“It wasn’t a successful moment, but was amazing at the time,” Pickford tells FourFourTwo. “The Frank Lampard goal that wasn’t given against Germany. At that moment, the goal got us right back in the game and I fully expected us to go on and win it, but then the ref didn’t give it.
“When it went in, there was no feeling like it. Then what followed was a huge disappointment.”
Sixteen years on, and Pickford has now got used to being part of these moments.
“That’s what it’s about,” he continues. “Those moments you create as a team, you can see what it means to fans inside the stadiums, and to fans back home.
“You’re making memories, making your country proud.”
England will look to end 60 years of hurt this summer and shake off a recent reputation of failing to get over the line, with Pickford having suffered defeat in a World Cup semi-final plus two European Championship finals.
So what does this pressure feel like when you’re in the thick of it?
“The pressure is on every time you wear an England shirt, but there’s nothing better,” he admits.
“I thrive off the pressure. There’s no better feeling than going to a World Cup, walking out before a game, seeing all the England fans there and knowing the whole world is watching.
“Everyone’s different, and people deal with things in different ways, so I can only speak for myself, but I love the pressure.”
