In Seville last Monday Jordan Pickford was firing decisive passes from the back to set up chances and fortify national confidence that England’s football evolution is genuine.
On Merseyside yesterday he was using his feet in a more traditional goalkeeping sense, saving another penalty at a crucial juncture and providing the platform for Everton’s dramatic late win.
It has been a perfect week for Pickford, whose cult status is growing for club and country. He kicked away Luka Milivojevic’s spot-kick on the hour, reacting sharply to the shot down the middle, and provoked a wave of passion at Goodison Park that eventually carried Everton to victory.