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4 months ago
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Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was England's penalty hero after saving a spot-kick from Manuel Akanji during Saturday's shootout win over Switzerland in their Euro 2024 quarter-final.
The Everton stopper sprung to his left to block the Manchester City defender's low effort before marching over to the loose ball and picking it up with both hands.
This magic moment sparked wild celebrations among England fans up and down the country.
Many Three Lions supporters later took to social media to praise Pickford for his rather unusual pre-penalty routine.
Pickford's save followed some apparent mind games, which began with the 30-year-old attempting to delay Akanji's kick.
Jordan Pickford was England's hero during Saturday's penalty-shootout win over Switzerland
Thirty-year-old goalkeeper Pickford saved a penalty kick from Manuel Akanji (not in shot)
Pickford pictured kissing the badge on his England shirt during Saturday's game at Euro 2024
After walking very slowly towards the goal, Pickford then headed in the opposite direction to collect his water bottle - which was decorated with instructions telling him which way to dive for each Swiss player's penalty.
Having retrieved his bottle - which was wrapped in a towel to keep his secrets safe - Pickford walked into the centre of the goal, only to then stride to the edge of the six-yard box.
Referee Daniele Orsato ordered Pickford to return to his line, which he did by walking backwards while shaking his shoulders.
Next, Pickford jumped up and down on the spot before stopping abruptly and then standing incredibly still as he waited for Akanji's incoming effort.
He then followed the instruction that had been written on his bottle to make one of the biggest saves of his career.
Pickford was mobbed by his team-mates following England's shootout victory in Dusseldorf
The Everton star had been aided by penalty instructions, which were attached to a water bottle
Pickford has been involved in multiple penalty-shootout victories during his England career
Footage of Pickford's funky behaviour prior to his thwarting of Akanji went viral via X (formerly Twitter) after one user shared it alongside the caption: 'Hi everyone here's Jordan Pickford being class.'
One reply then read: 'Absolute legend'.
Another fan wrote: 'Mad as a box of frogs. Legend.'
A fourth fan added: 'U can't tell me he's not hilarious hahahahaha'.
Meanwhile, an England supporter called Will commented: 'Genuinely one [of] our best keepers of all time'.
Pickford has represented England 66 times at senior international level since making his debut in 2017.
His 67th cap is almost certain to come on Wednesday when England take on the Netherlands in Dortmund.
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