Although Jordan Pickford would have felt sympathetic towards Jack Butland after the Stoke City goalkeeper broke his finger earlier this week, the 23-year-old knew it presented him with the opportunity to give Gareth Southgate something to think about ahead of next summer’s World Cup finals in Russia.Pickford started the match against Germany at Wembley on Friday night, ahead of Joe Hart, and enhanced his burgeoning reputation with an excellent performance.The Everton keeper pulled off some superb saves and, most importantly, helped his side keep a clean sheet.Aside from his saves, England fans were also hugely impressed by his distribution over the course of the 90 minutes.Anyone who has watched Pickford closely over the last couple of years - either for Sunderland, Everton or the England Under-21s - will tell you this is a goalkeeper with a seriously impressive array of passing.And there were a couple of passes in particular - including THIS one towards Tammy Abraham during the first half - that inspired England fans to rave about his kicking ability on social media.
Pickford has produced even better kicks during his career
Although the youngster produced some excellent kicks last night, he’s pulled off some even better passes during his short career.
Back in June, he produced this stunning goal-kick during an England U21 match against Poland.
Absolute perfection.
This one is surely the best - it's an assist!
But two years earlier, during a match against Kazakhstan U21s, Pickford pulled off what must surely go down as the most ridiculous kick of his career so far.
After catching a cross, he picked out Nathan Redmond on the right wing with an inch-perfect pass with his left foot.
Not only was it a remarkably good pass, it also turned out to be a fantastic assist.
Redmond scored and Pickford, down the other end of the pitch, celebrated as if he’s just netted the goal.
Watch it here…
Ederson or Pickford?
With the possible exception of Manchester City No. 1 Ederson, Pickford probably has the best distribution - when it comes to distributing the ball with his feet - of any goalkeeper in Europe right now.