Sunderland fans just can’t get enough of Jordan Pickford, after their former hero turned into England’s hero on Tuesday night.
Pickford’s big money move to Everton last summer was sort of the beginning of the end for the Black Cats, but fans will never stop loving the locally born stopper.
Pickford was the one silver lining in Sunderland’s relegation season from the top tier, and barring a couple of lapses of concentration has been an absolute beast for Everton.
Despite this, the 24 year-old has been the target of loads of criticism heading into the World Cup, and even Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had a dig at him after Belgium’s 1-0 win over England.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”262625″ player=”12034″ title=”England (2018) vs. England (Experienced) Football Manager Simulation”]
Pickford rose above all this on Tuesday though, becoming the first England goalkeeper ever to win a penalty shootout in the World Cup, adding to a truly tremendous save he made at the end of normal time.
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If anyone was criticising the youngster before the match they certainly aren’t now, and Sunderland fans couldn’t be more proud.
You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…