England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford 'nervous' before scoring decisive penalty
Jordan Pickford was the hero as he scored and saved the decisive spot kicks in England’s penalty shootout victory over Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League.
The 25-year-old admitted he was nervous stepping up to take his penalty but felt England showed their character in the win which meant England finished third in the inaugural competition.
READ MORE: England win historic penalty shootout to beat Switzerland to Nations League third place
AS IT HAPPENED: England beat Switzerland to claim Nations League third place
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Everton goalkeeper said: "It was a very tough game ... our character to get through 120 minutes on Thursday and to have to go through another tough game today, 120 minutes and penalties.
"We showed character and belief again and sometimes it's hard to get up for a game like this. But it just shows us where we want to go and how we get better as a team and bounce back.
"We always say 'do what it takes to win a game' and I was a bit nervous taking my pen, but I'm not nervous saving them."
When asked why he stepped up, Pickford said: "We practice them when there's a major competition or the Nations League, we practice them consistently.
"I picked my spot and I always seem to be able to get a goal, but I've never taken one in a real game so I was a bit nervous.
"I think we took (off) Harry Kane and some of the other lads who take penalties, so I wasn't sure where I was in the pecking order. But it's what you practice for, you practice all the time to make sure you make it easier on the day."
When asked about his penalty technique, Pickford replied: "It's all about routine I would say, if you watch the top penalty takers. Harry Kane he's got his own routine, so you've got to create your own routine to make sure everything's done to perfection."
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