Jordan Pickford has spoken of his experience in helping England win their first ever World Cup penalty shootout and insists that he was "very relaxed" despite the intense pressure.
The 24-year-old only had three caps for the Three Lions prior to Russia 2018 but put in several impressive performances at the tournament, including against Colombia in the last 16.
Pickford played a key role in the shootout victory, stopping Carlos Bacca's kick to book a date with Sweden in the quarter-finals.
"The reaction was amazing. We did our bit and put smiles on people's faces. That's what international football should be about," the Everton man told the Daily Mail.
"I want to play for England for as long as I can. There is no better feeling. The gaffer believed in me. But you only get one chance in football. I had to grasp it.
"I felt ready. We had done our homework. Every penalty I had the same routine and I did it exactly how I wanted to do it. I felt very relaxed and felt like I could make it happen for the country.
"I would think there is less pressure on the goalkeeper than the taker. But I was quite high up in the queue to take one. I would be confident. I know exactly where I would go... but I'm not telling you!"
Pickford joined Everton from Sunderland last summer, and kept 10 clean sheets in 38 Premier League appearances during the 2017-18 campaign.
Giuseppe Labellarte
