Fans spot Jordan Pickford's incredible s***housery before saving Akanji penalty during dramatic England shootout win

07/06/2024 04:01 PM

FANS crowned Jordan Pickford the king of shootout s***housery as England sneaked into the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

Pickford made the only penalty save needed as the Three Lions sunk Switzerland 5-3 on spot-kicks following a 1-1 draw.

But there was so much more to the keeper’s crucial intervention than diving to keep out Manuel Akanji‘s low effort.

As Akanji prepared to take the first penalty of the shootout, viewers spotted Pickford staring at the Manchester City defender with his eyes and mouth wide open.

Many might think he looked more like an over-acting extra in a hammy horror movie than an international sporting hero.

But Pickford’s tactics could well have worked – because Akanji’s mediocre attempt was the worst kick of the shootout.

However, some viewers also reckon his water bottle might have been even more important!

The container had inside info on Switzerland’s penalty takers down the side, including this accurate titbit: “Akanji, dive left.”

But whatever the reasons for the save, England fans believe his acrobatics were timed perfectly – and not just because of the Euros.

Coming as it did, a day after Keir Starmer became Prime Minister, one viewer claimed: “The Rt Hon Jordan Pickford MP @JPickford1 has been appointed Secretary of State for Defence @DefenceHQ.”

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Another fan felt Pickford’s antics are worth “a goal start” in shootouts.

The 30-year-old himself had gone into the match suggesting England might have an advantage over Switzerland, thanks to beating them 6-5 on penalties five years ago.

He said before kick-off: "History of winning major tournaments shows that you’ve got to go into extra time, maybe win a penalty shoot-out.

"It was the Nations League for third place and the bronze medal but you’ve got to learn from them experiences and take them experiences into major tournaments.

"It was a good feeling back then to get them experiences under our belt."

In fact, Pickford had also issued what might now be seen as an ominous warning for the Swiss.

He said: "I enjoy the pressure. You’re playing on the biggest stage in football and I’m loving it."