Everton star Jordan Pickford can handle the pressure – Aidy Boothroyd
Jordan Pickford is now the most expensive British goalkeeper
The 23-year-old has signed for Everton from Sunderland and England Under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd insists he will take the record-breaking move in his stride.
Pickford will start for the Young Lions when they open their Euro 2017 campaign against Sweden in Poland today.
And his cheeky team-mates have already been asking him to lend them money since word of his big-money transfer broke.
Boothroyd said: “He is absolutely fine – he is a coach’s dream. He is not bothered who is he playing for, he is not interested in price tags, all he wants to do is keep the ball out of the net and play football.
“What he has got more than anything, which is a massive plus, is his mentality. Nothing seems to faze him.
Jordan Pickford delivers glorious assist in U21s qualifier
All he wants to do is keep the ball out of the net and play football
England Under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd
“They have all been taking the mickey out of him, asking if they can borrow a few quid! He just smiles and gets on with it and wants to catch another ball. He is brilliant.”
Pickford was all smiles in training yesterday after an Everton delegation flew out to get the medical done in Poland.
“To be able to go forward with my career and show everyone what I can do with Everton is unbelievable,” he said.
“It’s a great club, and it’s a great opportunity and the right time for me to come to Everton and show what I can do.”
Boothroyd, who is backing the youngster to help the Under-21s follow the Under-20 World Cup winners to glory, says Everton are getting one of the best in the business.
“He is a very, very talented goalkeeper, technically and tactically,” said Boothroyd. “He is definitely not shy. He is just a really good, genuine kid who wants to do well.
“Like all goalkeepers, he is a little bit mad! He wants to throw himself around until he can hardly breathe. He will be an important player for us.”
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