Jordan Pickford Ready To Take Penalty For England At Euro 2024, Although No Special Exercises Yet

JAKARTA - The Three Lions national team goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said he was ready to take a penalty if needed on penalties for England at Euro 2024. However, the Everton goalkeeper revealed that so far there has been no specific training for a penalty kick.

Pickford stressed that the team's main focus right now is on going through the group stage, which started with the match against Serbia at Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, June 16.

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Pickford became the hero when England won a penalty shootout for the first time in World Cup history by beating Colombia in the round of 16. He was also the only England goalkeeper to score in a competitive penalty shootout when he scored the winner against Switzerland in the 2019 UEFA League bronze medal match.

"I'm confident enough to take a penalty if needed," said Pickford. "I'll step up for my country. But if I look at the whole squad, I think I'll be in last place!"

Although Pickford is confident, he admits that there has been no talk of a penalty shootout at the training camp. He added that players who naturally took penalties for their clubs may already train on their own.

Currently, Pickford is more focused on its main task of keeping England's goal, especially given concerns about Britain's defense which is considered a weak point. However, Pickford rejected the claim and stressed the importance of teamwork from front to back.

"Everyone here is because they have a good season for their club and have all played for England before," said Pickford. We all know each other's strengths and what we need."

Pickford also believes that the backbone of the England team, John Stones, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane will be jealous of rivals at Euro 2024.

For me, Stonesy won the Champions League, treble last year, and won the Premier League four times in a row. Jude won the Champions League this year. Harry Kane scored easily, England's top scorer, and Declan had a fantastic season at Arsenal. So, the team's backbone is very important, but more than that, it's about the whole team working together to be the best," added Pickford.