JORDAN PICKFORD suffered an injury scare ahead of the Euro 2024 clash against Slovakia.
But the goalkeeper still made the starting XI for the last-16 game in Gelsenkirchen this evening.
Pickford made the team after seemingly hurting his left wrist or hand as he went down to make a save in the warm-up.
The 30-year-old was seen grimacing as he sat on his knees in pain.
He then got back to his feet and was spotted talking to a physio or a member of the England coaching setup as they discussed the knock.
Pickford appeared uncomfortable as he tried to soldier on before leaving the warm-up early.
The Everton stopper eventually walked off the pitch with a look of disappointment written across his face.
And the Three Lions’ No1 then gave back-up keeper Aaron Ramsdale a hug as he trudged away.
But with concern mounting, Pickford appeared in the tunnel and was ready to go for kick-off.
However, the brief moment of panic left fans worried, with one saying: “We might be doomed.”
EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS
EXPERT football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has told Gareth Southgate and his players what they can do to give themselves the best chance of victory in any shootouts.
And he has even thrown in a rogue, bold suggestion for the Three Lions manager…
1. START PLANNING LAST YEAR
“It’s about planning for the opposition’s penalty takers but also ‘how do we win the psychological game against each opponent?’
2. SMART SOUTHGATE LEADERSHIP
“Southgate will have two minutes to influence his players as effectively as possible, show he has a plan and get confidence across.”
3. DICTATE AS A TEAM
“A shootout is really a team performance. Have the goalkeeper walk with the penalty taker into the penalty area to basically create a two-versus-one against the other goalkeeper. Dominate the centre circle, support the players who missed.”
4. ‘BULLETPROOF’ INDIVIDUAL ROUTINES
“Have really good, individualised and rehearsed pre-shot routines that are bulletproof and polished so they’re more likely to be able to resist the stress and more likely to score.”
5. SHOOT YOUR SHOT
“Practise the shot itself, trying to simulate penalty shootouts in training. Even recreating 20 per cent of a Euros final penalty shootout is going to have a benefit for your performance.”
AND A JOR DROPPING IDEA…
Jordan Pickford is the No1 but Dean Henderson actually has a far better penalty record – saving 8/22 (36 per cent) compared to Pickford’s 8/62 (13 per cent).
Jordet said: “One could consider making a late substitution for a penalty shootout. I doubt that they dare to do it in case it fails and the pressure is even higher but it would be a very ballsy move.”
Another reacted: “Uh oh, Pickford hurt?”
Before relieved fans could relax, adding: “Thank God he is okay.”
