Jordan Pickford: How England Goalkeeper’s Water Bottle Helped Him Save Penalties Against Switzerland

• England goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, was the hero in Dusseldorf as the Three Lions secured their ticket in the semi-finals of Euro 2024
• The 30-year-old saved Manuel Akanji's effort as Gareth Southgate's charges defeated Switzerland 5-3 on penalty shootouts
• However, his unconventional yet fast-growing trend among shot-stoppers during penalties came in handy in their quarter-final tie

Jordan Pickford joined the growing trend of goalkeepers using water bottles as strategic guides during penalty shootouts.

The England goalkeeper's method proved effective, helping the Three Lions secure a spot in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after defeating Switzerland on Saturday, July 6.

How Pickford's water bottle came in handy?

Pickford's crucial role in England's victory included a decisive save, diving to his left to stop Manuel Akanji's effort.

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All five of England's penalty-takers successfully converted their shots, clinching the win after the match remained deadlocked for 120 minutes.

A circulating photo on social media, spotted by Sports Brief, revealed Pickford's blue-black water bottle adorned with detailed notes on potential Swiss penalty takers and their preferred shooting directions.

The savvy preparation paid off when he confidently saved Akanji's attempt.

According to Opta Analyst, the 30-year-old has saved four of the 14 penalties he has faced in shootouts at major tournaments.

This is twice as many as all other England goalkeepers combined managed between 1990 and 2012, who saved only two out of 36.

England claw from behind to win on penalties

England faced a tense situation with 15 minutes remaining when Breel Embolo scored for Switzerland, putting them ahead.

However, Bukayo Saka showcased individual brilliance, levelling the score with a fierce low shot five minutes later, Euronews reports.

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With extra time yielding no winner, the match proceeded to penalties.

The 2022 runners-up advanced to the semis thanks to flawless spot-kicks and Jordan Pickford's crucial save of Manuel Akanji’s first attempt.

Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, and Ivan Toney all converted their penalties before substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold sealed the victory, sending England's supporters into a frenzy.

Mbappe stunned by England's fightback vs Slovakia

Sports Brief previously reported that Kylian Mbappe was stunned by England's comeback against Slovakia in the Round of 16.

Ivan Schranz gave Slovakia a surprising lead in the 25th minute, which they held until Jude Bellingham's dramatic 95th-minute bicycle kick equalized, dashing Slovakia's hopes of an upset.